4,500 Liberian Children Die Annually Of Malaria
A Report
On
A Visit of LIHEDE’s Executive Director to Liberia by Syrulwa Somah, PHD, (March 2-12, 2006)
Syrulwa Somah, PHD
1. Overview
From March 3 to 12, 2006, I visited Liberia to assess the progress of two LIHEDE projects in Liberia---the LIHEDEinitiated Liberian Studies Program and the pending National Health Conference on Malaria Prevention and Control in Liberia. The trip to Liberia, planned in consultation with fellow LIHEDEANS and friends of LIHEDE, had a two-
fold objective: 1) to brief the administration of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf about the pending national health conference in December 2006, and to follow-up on commitments made by the Liberian government through former transitional chairman Gyude Bryant toward implementation of the health conference and the Liberian Studies Program; 2) to assess and finalize plans for the 2006 National Health Conference in Monrovia. Both objectives were achieved as exemplified in this report.
Prior to my departure for Liberia, I contacted officials of selected Liberian government ministries, religious and civil organizations, and private individuals connected with the two LIHEDE projects via letters and phones to conclude my meeting with them in Monrovia. Accordingly, while in Liberia to put final touches on the two projects, I met with religious leaders, heads of educational and religious institutions, the Liberian vice president, Liberian cabinet ministers, ambassadors, Miss Liberia, a prominent Liberian musician, and international organizations with offices in Monrovia, mainly the Global Fund. I also had the opportunity to appear on several Liberian radio programs to spread the LIHEDE message that malaria is a curable disease that can be prevented and controlled in Liberia.
Hence, this report reflects my activities for the nine days I spent in Liberia. I have endeavored to provide a detailed account of each individual activity with its potential outcome for your easy reference.
2. Meeting with Religious Leaders
I met with the leaders of two religious institutions during the trip and communicated with others. The outcome for each meeting with religious leaders was nearly the same, although a breakdown of each individual meeting is noted herewith:
a) Apostolic Faith Alliance Churches Association of Liberia
I was the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker at the Apostolic Faith Church of Liberia. First, I spoke with Presiding Bishop Joseph Konah Garway of the Pentecostal Church of the Apostolic Faith Associations on my arrival in Liberia. I discussed with Bishop Garway the ongoing LIHEDE campaign to control malaria in Liberia and stressed that there was an urgent need for the church to get involved in the malaria control campaign. Bishop Garway was receptive to the idea and invited me to share my message with his congregation.
During the Sunday services, I told the church that it is about time in Liberia for every denomination, every church, every pastor, Imam, bishop, or priest in the country to preach about the negative effects of malaria on our people and our country. I impressed on the congregants that all Liberians needed to help control malaria in Liberia by supporting the scheduled malaria conference in order to give God’s children more time, a healthy time, to worship Him.
I informed the audience that something was spiritually wrong with how the church has come to concern itself only with where our souls will go after we die and forget about the physical body that houses our souls. I reminded my audience that Jesus spoke on health and social justice issues in Mathews 10:42, so it shouldn’t be difficult for the malaria control message to be delivered from the pulpit to God’s children who malaria is killing every 30 seconds!
Outcome
· I suggested that the church write a letter to their headquarters in the USA to ask for help to defeat malaria in Liberia
· I suggested that all the members and officials of the church sign the LIHEDE “We Want No More Malaria in Liberia” declaration as a show of support for malaria control and prevention in Liberia
· The Bishop accepted our requests and is cooperating
b) Open Bible Standard Church of Liberia
I was the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker at Open Bible Standard Church at the invitation of Senior Pastor/Bishop Charles Z. Baron. The Bishop had learned about LIHEDE activities and expressed interest in working with LIHEDE so he contacted me. I discussed with Bishop Barwon as I did with Bishop Garway about the urgent need to have the church involved in the control of malaria campaign LIHEDE has lunched for a malaria-free Liberia. Bishop Barwon welcomed the idea, and later invited me to speak to his congregation. I spoke to the church on “Getting Rid of Malaria in Liberia for Redevelopment,” in which I called on the congregation to join the fight against malaria to keep God’s children healthy to praise Him. My message was the same on the need for the church to write their church headquarters aboard to request help to flight in Liberia to stop killing God’s children.
Outcome:
· Same as the outcome above.
Other Churches
Prior to my departure for Liberia, I had a conversation with Rev. Dr. J. Edwin Lloyd to whom I suggested, as Co-Chair of the Malaria Control Conference Hospitality Committee to write letters to several bishops, including Bishop John Innis of the Methodist of Liberia, Bishop Edward Neufville of the Episcopalian Church of Liberia, and Bishop Sumowood Harris of the Lutheran Church, to encourage the bishops to write letters to their church headquarters in the United States to ask for help in support of LIHEDE’s fight against malaria in Liberia. These letters echo LIHEDE’s call for Liberian churches and other religious institutions to get involved in the “We Want No More Malaria in Liberia” campaign declaration.
Outcome
· All the responses to the letters and the signing of the Declaration couldn’t be completed and collected in time before my departure.
· LIHEDE representatives in Monrovia will later contact the bishops when the letters are ready so that they are sent to the executive director.
3. Meeting with Liberian Government Officials
I met with Liberian government officials from the following government ministries and agencies:
a) Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
I met with Liberian Health and Social Welfare Minister, Dr. Walter Gwenigale, and discussed with him that I was in Monrovia to follow-up and conclude arrangements for the National Health Conference slated to be held on December 14-19, 2006 in Liberia. I emphasized that the dynamics of today's Liberia malaria control require a new approach to fighting this disease in Liberia and new methods to eradicating malaria. I informed him that rather than tinkering with therapeutic-only practices of malaria control with the aim of improving the health of our nation, we should approach the malaria crisis from a completely different perspective. In this respect, I briefed the Minister about the benefits to be derived by the control of malaria in Liberia by the new government supporting the conference.
I also met with other senior and junior ministers, directors and staffers of the Health and Social Welfare Ministry and participated (made remarks) during their quarterly meeting on malaria control. At the meeting was Dr. Bovaid Samir, Program Manager of UNDP with whom I discussed how UNDP could help with the malaria conference. Dr. Samir asked LIHEDE to submit a mini-proposal, including the Terms of Reference (TOR) and objectives and outcomes of the Symposium for possible funding.
Outcome
· The Liberian Health and Social Welfare Minister generally applauded the Malaria Control Conference proposal, and he said that Dr. Joel J. Jones would be the Health Ministry’s point of contact to host the symposium
· Minister Gwenigale praised LIHEDE and pledged his Ministry’s fullest cooperation toward the eradication of malaria in Liberia
· Dr. Bovaid Samir, Program Manager of UNDP, pledged his support to the conference as well
b) Ministry of Information, Culture & Tourism
I met with Liberian Information Minister, Hon. Johnny McClain and discussed with him the need for the ministry to begin to spread the news about controlling malaria in Liberia by being active participant in educating the public about the pending National Health Conference in December. I requested him to use his good offices to make available the Liberian National Cultural Troop to the Health Conference for purposes of welcoming guests and showcasing Liberian cultural heritage to guests and participants.
I also shared with the Minister the need for an annual carnival of Liberian culture and tourism attractions. The annual carnival would coincide with the first five-year implementation stage of the objectives of the National Health Conference on Malaria Control and Prevention in Liberia during which Liberians from the U.S. and other parts of the world would travel to Liberia to participate.
Outcome:
· Minister Johnny McClain praised the proposed conference and pledged his ministry’s fullest cooperation toward the successful hosting of the conference.
· The Minister requested LIHEDE to use its contacts to solicit a band set for the cultural troops because the cultural troop has been without a band since the civil war in Liberia.
· The Minister welcomed the annual carnival idea and said his Ministry would be glad to cooperate with LIHEDE in that endeavor.
· I shared with the Minister my research on Tourism Development in Liberia, and he assured me that the some of ideas contained in the research would be incorporated into the tourism program at the ministry.
c) Ministry of Labor
Cllr. Samuel Kofi Woods
I met with Liberian Labor Minister Cllr. Samuel Kofi Woods and discussed with him that our nation could not be developed without a healthy and safe workforce. I informed him that the direct economic costs of malaria prevention and treatment at the household level are the main causes of poverty in Liberia, considering that malaria contributes to not only absenteeism, but also reduced productivity that impedes socio-economic development.
In this respect, I briefed the Minister about the benefits to be derived by the control of malaria, especially an employee who earns between $150 and $200 a month, but he or she has a spouse and two or more children who must buy mosquito spray or coils for 30 days and visit the doctor for treatment regularly. I also presented to the Minister a LIHEDE proposal to establish the Liberian Labor Institute of Occupational Safety & Health to offer degree in Occupational Safety & Health educate and train safety professionals but also to train the Liberian workforce on how to recognize danger and hazards in the work place.
Outcome:
· The Labor Minister generally applauded the proposal and said he would take appropriate actions to ensure that the proposal and other similar suggestions are combined for the benefits of the Liberian work force.
· Minister Woods praised LIHEDE proposed conference and pledged his ministry’s fullest cooperation toward the initiatives to control malaria in Liberia.
· The Minister requested a follow-up meeting to include the author of a similar proposal, but the joint meeting was not held due to time.
· LIHEDE representatives on the ground asked to arrange a follow-up meeting with the Minister.
d) Ministry of Education
Dr. Joseph Korto
I met with Liberian Minister of Education, Dr. Joseph Korto during which time I extended to him sincere greetings, best wishes, and heartfelt congratulations from the officers and members of LIHEDE on his appointment as Minister of Education of the Republic of Liberia. I discussed with Minister Korto how during a meeting at the Executive Mansion with former transitional government leader, Chairman Gyude Bryant, the Liberian government embraced the LIHEDE Liberian Studies Proposal, and Chairman Bryant empowered then Education Minister, Dr. Evelyn Kandarkai to mobilize all available resources to make the program a success but because of the transition the first payment has not been made. I informed Minister Korto that Dr. Kandarkai had said she left a handwritten note for his administration regarding implementation of the LIHEDE proposal. I also asked the Minister for the initial $35,000 or seed money request to former Minister Kandarkai that was not received until the Johnson-Sirleaf Administration to start the Liberian Studies Program beginning September 2006.
Outcome:
· The Minister requested copies of previous communication to ensure the commitment was made, which we provided.
· The Minister requested a letter from Dr. Levi Zangar, President of AME University to attest to the fact that LIHEDE and AMEU had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to effectuate the Liberian Studies Program at the university. The letter was written and delivered.
· The Minister told us that upon the passage of the new budget we would hear from him.
e) Ministry of Youth and Sports
During my first visit I met with the Director of Sports, Mr. Navarro Saykie, Sr, and he promised to make an arrangement for me to see the Minister of Sports. During my second stop at the Ministry of Sports I met with Liberian Minister of Sports, Cllr. Jamesetta Howard Wolokollie during which time I extended to her sincere greetings, best wishes, and heartfelt congratulations from the officers and members of LIHEDE on her appointment as Minister of Sports of the Republic of Liberia. I discussed with her that I was in the country to follow-up on commitment made by the former Minister of Youth and Sports, Cllr. Wheatonia Y. Dixon-Barnes to allow the use of sports to bring to the limelight the scourge of malaria in our nation. After our discussion Assistant Minister Gray was called to meet with me. At the meeting were Mr. Marbue Richards, Deputy Minister of Sports; Mr. V. Murvee Gray, Assistant Minister of Sports and Mr. Navarro Saykie, Sr, Director of Sports. My message to them was simple that we as a nation cannot build a proud nation when our female and male athletes are too weak from malaria or malaria related illnesses to perform to their best during national/ international competitions to make us a proud nation. I emphasized that stomping out malaria in Liberia is an imperative. Therefore, LIHEDE needs them to organize major sporting events during the December 14-19 Malaria Health Conference.
Outcome:
· The Ministry agreed to organize regional county league to support the malaria conference. The four semifinals from the regional county league will come to ATS to play for the “We Do Not Want Any More Malaria in Liberia” Trophy.
· We agreed that such a format would be economical in terms of accommodation or lodging.
· We agreed that LIHEDE would write mini-grants to which supporting letter from the Ministry of Sports and LFA will be attached to FIFA, MLS, Puma, Addis to sponsor or donate the uniforms and boots for the sporting events.
· We agreed to officially write and ask Ambassador George Weah to help contact 8 known international players (4 forward and 4 defenders), two of whom would play on each team (forward and defenders) that is during the semifinal tournament.
· We agreed that this is the best format due to the lack of hotels in Liberia than to bring in several national teams from various countries.
f) Ministry of Gender and Development
I met with Deputy Minister Lorpu Kandarkai of the Ministry of Gender and Development and discussed with her the enormous burden malaria disease places on Liberia, most particularly on women who must sallow the bitter pills of miscarriages induced by malaria, which miscarriages usually decimate a whole future generation of Liberians in the womb of the mothers and the mothers-to-be. I informed the Minister that until we in Liberia can, as a nation and people, collectively do something about malaria, our socio-economic, cultural, and poverty woes will not only continue, but will also seriously undermine the growth and democratization of Liberia.
On the LIHEDE Liberian Studies Program, I shared with Deputy Minister Kandarkai that it was a great achievement to have a Ministry of Gender and Development and meeting her on March 8 International Women's Day, but there is an urgent need to begin to study Liberian women at our higher institutions of learning. I informed the deputy minister that if the next generation of Liberians didn’t know about the great sacrifices Liberian women have made toward the growth and development of Liberia, we couldn’t blame them but rather blame the inept leaders and educators who stopped promising reforms in their tracks.
Later, I handed a copy of the Liberian Studies Program curriculum to the deputy minister and impressed on her to give copies to Minister Vabah Glayflor and President Johnson–Sirleaf, as it was vital for women in higher position to support the LIHEDE’s proposed women studies curriculum within the Liberian Studies program and the upcoming malaria eradication conference. I reminded the deputy minister that just how a group of women got together in Copenhagen in 1911 to highlight the historic struggle to improve women’s lives, giving rise to today’s International Women's Day each March 8, Liberian women should be the rays of hope so that we can learn about Liberian women from the likes of Susana Lewis and Madame Suakoko to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, just to name a few.
Outcome:
· Deputy Minister Kandarkai agreed to support the “We Do Not Want Any More Malaria in Liberia” conference.
· Deputy Minister Kandarkai agreed to discuss the curriculum with Minister Glayflor who will then relay the details to President Johnson–Sirleaf.
4. Meeting with Liberian Vice President
Dr. Joseph Boakai
I met with the Vice President of Liberia, Dr. Joseph Boakai at his Sinkor Office. I was joined by Dr. Joel J. Jones, Director of the Malaria Control Program. During our meeting I told the VP that LIHEDE is desirous of working with the Liberian government, the Liberian civil society, the Liberian business community, and international agencies in partnership to create conditions for improving the quality of life of the Liberian people. I emphasized that LIHEDE has contributed to organizing workshops on the Restructuring of the Liberian Military and developed a sound plan for the Armed Forces of Liberia; proposed, developed and successfully implemented the soon to come Liberian Studies Program and now the Malaria Control Conference. I was quick to point out to the VP that LIHEDE has made all these contributions to our nation out of our own resources. I also impressed on the VP that one of the reasons we fought the civil war I believe that we as a nation didn’t know about each other and what God has bestowed on our nation. But with the introduction of Liberian Studies at Liberia’s higher institutions of learning, we are well on our way to creating the environment that will help Liberians learn more about themselves and cultivate a new sense of nationalism that would propel national developments in Liberia.
On the Malaria Conference, I informed him that during a meeting at the Executive Mansion, the Interim Government under Chairman Gyude Bryant embraced the LIHEDE Symposium 2006 Resolution, the Liberian Studies Proposal, and empowered his Health Minister, Dr. Peter Coleman, and Education Minister Dr. Evelyn Kandarkai to mobilize all available resources to make both programs a success. LIHEDE in collaboration with the Government of Liberia and other health professionals in Liberia are now planning the conference so my visit to Liberia is to follow-up on the symposium on December 14-19, 2006 in our nation capitol, to bring together health workers, international partners, sports organizations and other citizens to discuss the post-war health needs of our country and cutting edge technology to control malaria.
Dr. Jones informed the VP that he had different view about malaria being un-eradicable until LIHEDE invited him to the Conference in the US where he presented with firsthand details about new and cheaper technology that can eradicate malaria. He too asked VP Baokoi to do all he can for the success of the conference. Vice President Joseph Boakai has assured LIHEDE of his full support in the malaria eradication campaign. The Vice President said he would meet with President Johnson for the government to do all in their power to eradicate this disease that is taking the lives of the citizens. The VP admitted that he too has been victim of the disease and so when he heard about Mr. Bill Nester who lived in Liberia for 20 years and who had plan to defeat malaria, he emailed him but unfortunately his email was not working. Now to hear that LIHEDE has similar plan was a dream come true. I told the VP that I know Bill Nester and that his organization and LIHEDE are working together on the conference.
Outcome:
· The VP will take our message to the President Johnson-Sirleaf
5. Meeting with Center for Democratic Empowerment
I met with Mr. Michael Yorwah, the Administrative Officer to Mr. Ezekiel Pajibo, Executive Director of Center for Democratic Empowerment (CEDE) and asked that CEDE designate malaria as a human rights issue and human rights violation to do nothing about eradicating malaria, which only inspires the culture of death.
Outcome:
· Requested official letters
· The letter is being prepared
6. Meeting with Miss Liberia
Through the effort of Dr. Joel J. Jones, I was able to meet with Miss Liberia, the beautiful and articulate, Ms. Snorti Forh. The atmosphere was warm and courteous, and the meeting lasted for about 10 minutes. Our discussion centered on:
· Her making Malaria Eradication her legacy.
· The need to organize activities that will show the impacts of malaria in Liberia
· LIHEDE is committed to providing ideas and advice on malaria-related activities from now to the conference.
· LIHEDE encourages her to engage in fund raising for the malaria cause.
· LIHEDE encourages her to make contact with radio stations and newspapers to talk about malaria.
Outcome
· Miss Liberia agreed to help disseminate the malaria message.
· She agreed to put some programs together and if she needed our help she would let LIHEDE know.
7. Meeting with Liberian Musician Jerry Boweh
Through the help of Rev. Bishop Charles Barwon, I was able to meet with Artist Boweh to whom he had loaned my book Nyanyanyan Gohn-Mana. The musician not only took keen interest in the book but also wanted to meet with me. The 20-miniute discussion was held under a warm and courteous atmosphere. During the meeting, Mr. Boweh wanted to know more about my work and expressed his willingness to write lyrics from my book. While I told him that I was glad to hear his desire, the imminent desire that I have to which I wanted him to contribute was malaria eradication using music to let the world know how malaria is killing our people. You can visit and listen to Jerry Boweh’s music at: http://www.zuba.co.uk. Click on “Bassa Beat” to taste what is to come!
Outcome
· Mr. Boweh agreed to write a theme song for the conference.
· He agreed to write several lyrics of “We Do Not Want Any More Malaria in Liberia” for LIHEDE to select one.
8. LIHEDE National Membership Workshop and Liberian Studies Program Office at AMEU
While in Liberia, I conducted a workshop for the local LIHEDE membership, and I met with the President of the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU) to follow-up on progress being made toward implementation of the LIHEDE proposed Liberian Studies Program at the university.
Outcome
· Local LIHEDE would work together to have a strong presence in Liberia.
· At least one project will be completed every year.
· AMEU President gave LIHEDE/Liberian Studies Office.
· Office needs painting, future, computers, tables, chairs,
· Total budget to get the office in shape is about US$1,500.
· Held joint press conference with the University President to announce that a baccalaureate degree in Liberian Studies will be offered at the University beginning September 2006 (a copy of the recording of the press conference is available for $10.00).
· The Liberian Studies Program at AMEU needs a Chairperson. AMEU asked LIHEDE to get resumes of potential candidates.
· LIHEDE agreed to advertise the job ASAP.
9. Meeting with German Ambassador
I met with His Excellency Thomas Freudenhammer, the German Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Liberia at his Tubman Boulevard Office and discussed with him the upcoming malaria control conference and other LIHEDE projects for his nation’s support. During our discussion the ambassador and I highlighted some aspects of the historical relationship between Liberia and Germany in regard to development from mining, health, communications, and education. The Ambassador said he realized that Liberia needs are so much that his nation’s role of peacekeeping has transformed from that of purely peacekeeping to national reconstruction. He shared with me that his office is short in staff right now because it just opened not too long ago. As more staff members arrive who have background in these areas of LIHEDE’s request, he assured, then cooperation between his embassy and LIHEDE will ensue.
Outcome:
· Future consideration pending
· LIHEDE will be contacted
10. Media Appearances and Promotions
To get my messages across to the Liberian people, I participated in several talk shows, including the Radio Veritas’ “Tropical Issue”, UNMIL Radio’s “Issues With Your Health”, Star Radio’s “Ask the Experts”, LBS’ “Reconciliation Today.” I also held a major news conference, which over 15 print and electronic media institutions attended. I also made a remark at the office of the Press Union of Liberia.
a) ELBC
I was guest on LBS “Reconciliation Today” twice for 45 minutes each. The interview was hosted by Isaac Reed, and the discussion centered on the malaria conference and the Liberian Studies Program, which is to begin in September 2006. The public response was great.
b) Radio Varitas
I was guest on Radio Veritas’ “Tropical Issue” hosted by Frank Sankola for 45 minutes. The 45 minutes discussion focused on the malaria conference and the Liberian Studies Programs. My message to the Liberia people was that malaria is controllable.
c) Star Radio
I was a guest on Star Radio twice for 45 minutes each. On “Ask the Experts” hosted by T. Kota Dogba. The talk show focused on LIHEDE’s specific plan on malaria eradication, the malaria conference, the Liberian Studies program, and national involvement in these efforts. My Second appearance was to spread my malaria campaign message via the Internet Radio for those outside of the country to hear it.
Mr. V. Murvee Gray, Assistant Minister of Youths and Sport also joined me on my final appearance at the request of the station for a 15-minute interview on their weekly Sports Edition. We discussed with the host of the show Mr. Stephen Biddings on how 2006 County League will be hosted exclusively to support the malaria conference and malaria awareness. We reasoned that football still remains the most popular sport in our nation with which Liberia has produced not only the greatest footballer of Africa, but also one of the best in the world. Therefore, conducting the County League to support malaria control was in the best interest of the sports in Liberia.
d) UNMIL Radio
I was guest on UNMIL FM radio hosted by Patrick Okai. The call-in show lasted from 10:00 pm to 12:30 am due to the volume of calls and people who are suffering from malaria that needed answers to the problem of malaria. Dr. Joel J. Jones, Malaria Program Director and Mr. Tolbert Nyenswah, Deputy Program Managing, National Malaria Program were co-hosts on the show.
The show prevailed on the need to tackle the deadly killer by supporting the National Health Symposium on malaria which is expected to bring together over one thousand delegates from Liberia and abroad is aimed at controlling the malaria menace in Liberia.
e) Coverage in Local Newspapers
From the time I arrived in Liberia to the time I left, all the major newspapers and radio stations covered all of my activities. There are articles in the Inquirer, Analyst, New Vision, Daily Observer, Broom, Dairy, and Freedom Journal. I held a press conference at the New Vision Newspaper Headquarters that brought together national press calling on them to be the drum major for the LIHEDE proposed malaria control for a healthy nation. I told the Liberian press that they could play a pivotal role in educating our people on the social, economic, and political impact of malaria by being the vessel through which awareness could be raised about the negative impact of malaria on our people. I told them that if we want for Liberia to be developed, then Liberian journalists must be the ones to spearhead and articulate the vision that meaningful development is possible in Liberia regardless of our current economic, political, and social conditions.
f) Hospital Tours
I visited the Redemption Hospital to video tape just the tip of the ice berg of malaria cases in Liberia because I believe it is about time that the truth became available to everyone that malaria can make the youth and the elderly go “crazy” or mentally deranged. The video also contains medical pictures of babies sick with malaria while storehouses in Liberia are full of birth control while the population is dying of malaria. LIHEDE plans to use the video for the malaria control campaign. The video is available, but the CD and shipping are obligation of anyone who wants a copy.
11. General Observation/Conclusion
Sisters and brothers, our cause is a noble one for which our heavenly ancestry will be proud of us. No matter how difficult, we must not allow ourselves to be dissuaded from our fight against malaria. When our fellow Liberians who have yet to wake up to see how malaria is threatening the very survival of our people or that malaria kills an estimated 4,500 Liberian children each year (at this rate, our nation has buried 700,000 infants and children since its founding 158 years ago, or 3.5 times the number of Liberians who died during our barbaric civil wars), they will not let the touch of malaria-free Liberia fall in the sand. For now, let your work speak for itself. Our aggression must be focused on malaria control. Democracy does not survive where the people are sick, too weak to make farm, learn, compete, and defend their common national boundaries.
During my brief stay in Liberia, when a baby in the arm of his crying mother died of malaria in the street on my way to Star Radio for my interview, it confirms our argument that malaria is the principal killer of our people but it gives me the courage for this son of Liberia to fight on. We cannot build a democratic nation when our children are dropping and dying like flies. We cannot build a democratic nation when our children are shaking with fever and convulsions, vomit when there is nothing left in their stomachs, and cry out from the pain and thirst. We cannot build a democratic nation when we fence sit and watch our bright and brightest lapse in comas, suffer permanent brain damage, or are laid in their graves day-in and day-out. And we cannot build a democratic nation when women of child-bearing age are suffering from anemia and are having premature delivery, low birth-weight, epilepsy, and neurological problems, all frequent consequences of malaria that compromise our national security. It is our moral obligation to leave behind a healthy generation and solid development so that those who are coming after us can have access to a high quality of life. This is our message and it should be as simple as it is sounds.
Brethren, it is no longer enough for those living abroad to waste a lifetime waiting for the right opportunity, the right moment, the right international organizations, or the right man or women to come along to abate malaria for us. Liberia is currently suffering from a huge malaria induced poverty, which is also an impediment to meaningful socio-economic development, thus we need to make whatever contributions we can toward the national conference in Liberia. The needs for malaria control are so great right now that every private citizen can make a great difference in making the conference a success, especially those of us abroad.
I believe we are doing the right thing for our nation. This is why President Johnson-Sirleaf is supporting malaria abatement in Liberia. This why my meeting with Liberian VP gave his support for the conference and promised to talk with our President to make sure that this national conference takes place. This is why the Ministers of Sports, Labor, Gender and Development, Information, Health, foreign Ambassador, Miss Liberia, Liberian Musician, are behind us. Liberia has entered a new era, a new political horizon, where success and progress will begin with the collective showcasing of our talents and the finding of practical solutions to the malaria problems facing Liberia today. Let us take our message to those who want to make this pilgrimage come December 12, 2006.
Our message is to create a national blueprint for the reconstruction and development of Liberia not just for political, education, economic, agricultural, cultural, institutional, media, social order but also health. James Allen once said, “No one can help a weak person unless the weak person is willing to be helped.” In other words, the massive international support would not bring about stability and development in Liberia unless Liberians are prepared to help themselves by saying we do not want any more malaria in Liberia. We need to remember that there is no such thing as “treating the symptoms only” or tablets only for malaria without a lasting poverty, physical and psychological impact. A prolonged stay of malaria in Liberia has the potential of denationalizing the wealth and health of our nation as powerful and rich nations are getting richer on the backs of Liberia by selling their pharmaceutical drugs while the Liberian poor are getting poorer.
In conclusion, our roots are still in Liberia so we have every right to see to its rebirth, growth, and ascension to its highest pinnacle of prominence, a healthy and malaria free nation. Our umbilical chords and the fossils of our parents are also anchored in Liberia, so we must return to our roots and help whip and overthrow malaria out of Liberia. We need to come together regardless of ethnic backgrounds or organizational affiliations, and find a common solution to the malaria problems in Liberia. We are living in a world that is dramatically different from our world of yesterday, and it makes sense to me for us to unite as Liberians and defeat this controllable disease, malaria.
12. Recommendation for LIHEDE
· Each member of LIHEDE should promote the Malaria Conference by finding Liberians who know the impact of malaria to join this good fight.
· LIHEDE should contact Liberian authors to donate copies of their books to the Liberian studies program.
· LIHEDE should recruit qualified Liberians to volunteer (September 2006) to teach in the Liberian studies program as a means of getting it off the ground.
· LIHEDE should contact all Liberian organizations in the U.S. to fly on the charter flight as solidarity to attend the December 2006 proposed national conference in Liberia.
· LIHEDE should establish contact with Black America and friends of Liberia to also make the trip.
· LIHEDE should bring together like-minded, dedicated and non-partisans Liberians (at least 172 (strong sons and daughters of Liberia) to go home for the conference and the first X-mas under the new government in Liberia.
Prepared By
Syrulwa Somah, PHD
Executive Director, LIHEDE