Liberia Government (Monrovia)
14 September 2007
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says HIV/AIDS will have a major impact on Liberia's developmental agenda unless its growing rate can be controlled. The President expressed the hope that the National AIDS Commission can find a way to address the problem through the exchange of ideas.
An Executive Mansion release says President Johnson Sirleaf spoke on Friday at the Foreign Ministry when she addressed a meeting of the National AIDS Commission. The Liberian leader, who is Chairperson of the National AIDS Commission, emphasized that members of the Commission were brought together to think through the challenges of ensuring that development goals are not hampered by the growing rate of HIV/AIDS. The President pointed out that it was necessary to look at the policies and programs to determine what must be done in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
For his part, Health Minister Dr. Walter Gwenigale said the government has set up the National AIDS Control Program to help those affected. The Commission, Dr. Gwenigale stressed will address areas of HIV/AIDS at the highest level.
The Resident Bishop of the Methodist Church in Liberia, Dr. John Innis, commended the government for setting up the Commission and pledged the church's support in the fight against the disease.
The President of the Bankers' Association, Mr. Thomas Jeffrey, described as unquestionable the impact of the disease on the private sector. He noted that HIV/AIDS is a social issue, adding that everyone has a responsibility to fight the disease, which he said poses a threat to productivity in the private sector.
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