(LINA) - Liberia’s former Minister of Health, Dr. Walter Gwenigale, has confirmed to Liberians in their local dialects that “Ebola has gone from the country.”

He gave the confirmation while presenting the World health Organization (WHO) certificate to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at the National Thanksgiving Day program held at the Centennial Pavilion on Monday in Monrovia.

Gwenigale thanked the Liberian leader for the opportunity to serve in her government, especially during the Ebola outbreak.

He lauded both local and international partners as well as health workers for the level of collaboration and cooperation the led to the gains that are now being celebrated by not only Liberians but also the international community.

He named several communities as “worst affected,” including New Kru Town, West Point and Barkedu in Lofa County.

Gwenigale, who was relieved of his post almost at the end of the Ebola crisis, called on Liberians to remain vigilant by observing all previous safety practices to prevent a reemergence of the disease.

Dr. Gwenigale served for nine years as health minister after being medical director at Phebe Hospital in Suakoko, Bong County for some two decades.
LINA BK/PTK