German Ambassador accredited to Liberia, IIse Lindemann –Mache, presented to the Liberian government through the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs 300,000 mosquitoes nets.

Making the presentation Thursday at the Ministry of Health in Monrovia, Amb. Marche said the donation was in fulfillment of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s pledged of 300,000 insecticide treated nets for the people of Liberia in order to provide a meaningful German contribution to the fight against malaria.

Amb. Marche said the nets will be distributed by the Health Ministry through its National Malaria Control Program and a German Ngo - Welthungerhilfe. She said the nets are expected to reach six Southeastern counties - Grand Gedeh, Sinoe, Rivercess, River Gee, Maryland and Grand Kru.

Amb. Mache also disclosed that 18 containers containing the nets are being lifted to the counties through the help of the United Nations Mission In Liberia (UNMIL).

She said the eradication of mosquitoes in the country is the one objectives of the German government. She noted: “Malaria is one mean cause of illnesses in the country”. 

Amb. Mache said Welthungerlife was put in charge of the distribution along with NMCP at the Ministry of Health immediately after the Chancellor’s visit to Liberia, noting the cooperation meetings between the groups started in November 2007, and enjoys a good working relationship.

Liberia’s Health Minister Dr. Walter Gwenigale expressed delight over the donation and described it as timely. He conceded that Liberia is desperately in need of every help to fight malaria.

He said the MOH has received information that people are tearing the nets to be used for bath and some are also selling then to those who can't be reached. He threatened drastic action against anyone that will be caught selling donated mosquitoes nets.

Italy Gives US$1.5m Agricultural Grant
By George J. Borteh

The government of Liberia has signed the Inter-Country Coordination for West Africa Food Security Projects. The project, being funded by the government of Italy, is a trust fund for food security and safety, valued at 1.5 million euros (over US $2-million).

• Members of the Italian delegation in a meeting with President Sirleaf at the Foreign Ministry in Monrovia. Photo / Executive Mansion

A four man visiting team of the government of Italy has also committed further assistance to Liberia’s recovery. The package includes 1 million euros (over US $1.5 million) for cooperation for the country’s gender and development program and 2 million euros (over US $3-million) in additional funding for the health sector.

An Executive Mansion release says Acting Foreign Minister William Bull signed the agreement on behalf of the government of Liberia. Speaking prior to the signing ceremony, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said she was pleased with Italy’s quick response following her visit to that country in August last year.

The Liberian leader described the delegation’s visit as an attestation of Italy’s commitment to Liberia. The President reiterated her call for support for the A.M. Dogliotti Medical College, stressing that the country has a severe shortage of medical doctors.

The Head of delegation and Deputy Italian Foreign Minister for Cooperation and Development, Mr. Giuseppe Morabito, described his team’s visit to Liberia as very productive. He said his government is interested in having a greater presence in Liberia.

Mr. Morabito added that the 1-milion euros (over US $1.5 million) support for the gender sector will help implement United Nations Resolution which supports gender related activities.

Also present at Friday signing ceremony were Acting Agriculture Minister James Logan, Deputy Foreign Minister for International and Regional Cooperation Conmany Wesseh, Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Simeon Cole and Assistant Foreign Minister for International and Regional Cooperation Elias Shoniyin as well as the Food & Agriculture Organization representative to Liberia, Dr.Winfred Harmmon.