The Government of Switzerland has donated to the Government of Liberia 15 tons of medical supplies to be used by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for the fight against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The medical supplies which include sanitizers, masks and gloves are valued at One Hundred and Sixty Thousand United States Dollars (US$160,000.00).

The consignment arrived in the country on Tuesday, September 2, 2014, on a chartered flight sent by the Swiss Government.

Speaking at a brief handover ceremony at the Roberts International Airport, Mr. Friedrich Steinemann, Director of Cooperation and Counselor Affairs at the Swiss Embassy Office in Liberia said the Swiss Government is glad to assist Liberia.

Mr. Steinemann stated that with the constant use of hand sanitizers and personal hygiene, there is hope that Ebola will be kicked out of Liberia. The Counselor furthered that the Swiss Government looks forward to assist if there is more need.

For his part, Hon. Rufus Neufville, Chief of Protocol of Liberia, expressed thanks and appreciation on behalf of the Liberian Leader, Her Excellency, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Government and People of Liberia to the Government and People of Switzerland.

Hon. Neufville stressed that Liberia is facing difficulties with what he called a strange virus. The Chief of Protocol elaborated that the Swiss donation will go down in history, as this donation portrays the fraternity between both Switzerland and Liberia and true partnership to Liberia in this difficult situation. 

“It is our hope that many of Liberia’s friends in the international community follow”, remarked Hon. Neufville.

Hon. Mathew T.K. Flomo, Deputy Health Minister for Administration, articulated that once again the Government and People of Liberia through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare are gratified by the Swiss Government’s donation. He recalled that the Swiss Government had previously donated to the fight against Ebola.

Hon. Flomo then recalled that the Swiss Government renovated and capacitated the Tellewoyan Hospital in Voinjama, Lofa County. “We hope for more donations from the Swiss Government, especially PPE’s and body bags”, concluded Minister Flomo.

Representing the National Ebola Taskforce, Mr. Saah Charles N’tow, expressed happiness and extended thanks through the Swiss Embassy Office to the Government and People of Switzerland. Mr. N’tow said that the donation from the Swiss Government represents hope for Liberians who see this Ebola crisis as a hopeless situation. Mr. N’tow added that the donated items are what medical personnel currently need.

The medical supplies brings to an estimated amount of One Million, Six Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US$1.6 million) the Swiss Government’s donation thus far towards the fight against Ebola since the discovery of the deadly virus in Liberia in March of this year.