Ebola: Liberia urges women to strengthen prevention
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Frontpageafricaonline
Liberian Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie is urging cross-border traders, market women and rural women to strictly follow Ebola prevention measures. Liberia has strengthened screening and health protocols after a case was confirmed in Nigeria and a regional outbreak, reports FrontPage Africa.
Liberia’s Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Gbeme Horace-Kollie, has called on women to strictly follow Ebola prevention measures, particularly cross-border traders, market women and rural women, according to Frontpageafricaonline.
The appeal comes as Liberia’s Ministry of Health has ordered the immediate strengthening of screening at health facilities, border posts and public buildings. Measures include handwashing stations with soap and water or sanitiser, as well as checks for symptoms, travel and possible exposure. The ministry says temperature checks alone are not sufficient to screen effectively for Ebola.
The minister urged women whose activities take them across borders and between communities to cooperate with health authorities. She highlighted their role in local trade, agriculture, food production and household income.
Liberia is strengthening its checks after an Ebola case was confirmed in Nigeria and an outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease in the region. On 23 October, the country announced 21 days of isolation for travellers from DR Congo, following the case detected in Nigeria.
