Africare Promotes Liberian Reconstruction Through Programs in Liberia and at United Nations
Recently returned from a week-long tripp to survey the conditions in Liberia, Africare President Julius E. Coles represented American nongovernmental organizations at the International Reconstruction Conference on Liberia held by the United Nations, February 5 and 6. Liberia has experienced a period of peace since last August, when its 14-year civil war came to an end. Africare has been working in Liberia continuously and actively since 1992, throughout the civil war.
Mr. Coles traveled to Liberia in January along with partner organization AmeriCares. The purpose of the trip was to distribute medical supplies to rural areas outside of the capital of Monrovia, and to gain a first-hand knowledge of the situation in Liberia and how Africare can work with the U.N. to improve living conditions for Liberians.
Mr. Coles observed that the U.N. peacekeeping forces were maintaining relatively calm conditions in Monrovia. However, looting and killing of defenseless civilians by rampaging gangs have left tens of thousands of people internally displaced, seeking shelter in camps and in dire need of basic services and protection. The same plight is affecting the many residents of war-affected communities now hosting the displaced. For those who remained on their land, a looming crisis threatens as they are faced with insufficient tools and seeds to prepare for the planting season, which is just a few months away.
Africare has been working to provide health care to the Liberian people, even in the face of severely damaged and looted health facilities. One facility Mr. Coles visited was the Phebe Hospital, which had served as a regional hospital before it was destroyed by vandals and looters. Mr. Coles reported that "all roofing, doors, and windows were ripped from walls and carted away, all equipment and supplies were either smashed or stolen, and every single ward and surgical room left in shambles."
Yet, despite the destruction, Liberian health workers, with Africare's help, are struggling to treat the ill any way they can, as well as work to rebuild the health system. Mr. Coles met a dedicated Liberian doctor, Dr. Emmanuel Sando, who had been the chief medical officer of Phebe Hospital. Dr. Sando had pleaded with both sides of the armed conflict to spare the hospital and its essential equipment. Ultimately, he had to flee for his life from the hospital. However, now that peace has returned, Dr. Sando is dedicated to raising funds to rebuild the hospital (at an estimated cost of $9 million) and bring health care back to his community. This shows Dr. Sando's commitment against all odds, as he is one of only 32 Liberian doctors practicing in the entire country. Dr. Sando's story "shows the Liberians' capability to suffer and overcome adversity," observed Mr. Coles.
Africare is currently working to rebuild and refurbish health facilities in Liberia. In Salala, Africare and AmeriCares have erected temporary health clinics, with auxiliary services located in tents. Africare has refurbished and reconstructed a health training facility, to enable Liberians to provide necessary health services in their own communities. Health training provided by Africare will address the problems of malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, as well as illnesses affecting pregnant women and young children. Africare will continue, with AmeriCares' help, to distribute essential drugs, infant food supplements, and medical supplies.
Following his trip, Mr. Coles is very optimistic about Africare's ability to help the people of Liberia. "We were very well-received in Liberia. Africare is held in high regard there. We plan to expand greatly our operations in Liberia in emergency and reconstruction."
Mr. Coles took this message of need from Liberia to the U.N. He spoke of his trip and on behalf of American international nonprofit organizations at the International Reconstruction Conference held at the U.N. headquarters in New York, February 5 and 6. This donor conference was attended by 106 countries and was co-chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan. At the conference, western donors pledged $520 million to finance the reconstruction of Liberia over the next two years.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Africare is a leader in aid to Africa as well as the oldest and largest African-American organization specializing in African aid. Over its 34-year history, Africare has delivered more than $450 million in assistance-representing over 2,000 projects and millions of beneficiaries-to 35 countries Africa-wide. Today, AAfricare's 150-plus programs reach families and communities in 25 nations in every region of Sub-Saharan Africa. For more information or to donate on-line, please visit: www.africare.org.
