MONROVIA, August 30 (LINA) - Deputy Information Minister for Public Affairs, Isaac Jackson, has dispelled claims that the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) was not given the necessary support in the fight against the Ebola virus.
According to Minister Jackson, this clarification was necessary because lack of understanding on the part of some people has caused them to oppose the AFL’s deployment without getting the facts.
Minister Jackson traced the decision to deploy AFL personnel to attacks on ambulances and personnel of aid agencies, particularly in Lofa and Bong counties, where the burning of an ambulance and physical attacks on healthcare givers were contributing factors to the withdrawal of the Samaritan’s Purse from Liberia.
Making the disclosure Friday at the Ministry of Information special press briefing, he said these attacks led to a reduction in Liberia’s ability to respond to the outbreak of the Ebola disease.
Minister Jackson pointed out that another group that has faced significant attacks has been the burial teams assigned to counties and communities, which made the deployment of AFL troops in those areas necessary.
He said Ebola treatment units in Liberia and neighboring countries have faced great difficulty due to community resistance.
In the absence of a change of mindset by residents, the Minster said, the Armed Forces of Liberia will continue to be deployed as a critical component of Liberia’s fight against Ebola.
LINA WTD/TSS/PTK