Honorable Members of the National Legislature
The Minister of Health and other Members of the Cabinet
Representative of the World Health Organization
Representatives of UNMIL
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Development Partners
Members of the Press
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
It is so fulfilling for me to be here this afternoon to lend my hand and heart to setting into motion an undertaking that portends such positive potentials for our nation. Today, we gather here to do what-- in my estimation--we as a nation will be better off doing more of.
My fellow Liberians:
About a year ago, we were invaded by an enemy we did not know and were not prepared to confront. The deadly Ebola Virus Disease caused the deaths of many of our fellow citizens and robbed many more of their livelihoods. It overwhelmed our recovering health care system and threatened to reverse our economic recovery gains. There were terrifying projections of more deaths and the possible collapse of the Liberian State.