By Grace Q. Bryant
The Association of Liberians in South Sudan (ALISS) through its former president, Helena Kamara, has donated 60 oxygen cylinders to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center.
Speaking during the donation ceremony yesterday on the ground of the hospital in Sinkor, Madam Kamara stated that it is the association’s way of identifying with the government in its fight against the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic.
Madam Kamara narrated that in 2020 at the height of the first wave of the COVID-19, ALISS presented a consignment of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) medical supplies and other equipment valued at approximately US$8,000.00 to the Ministry of Health; adding that it is the second of such presentations.
ALISS former president expressed thanks and appreciation to JFK administration and the medical staff for being one of the front liners in the anti-Covid fight in Liberia.
She noted that the Association has recognized the difficulty and harsh constraints occasioning the fight; saying that the pandemic is a global scourge.
Madam Kamara further said that every nation is basically on its own in the fight of Covid, and with the already-challenged health systems being pushed to the limit, the need to rally every dime and nickel to aid the government in the fight cannot be overemphasized.
“We at ALISS see it fitting to continuously respond in this measure to lend our hands and hearts to the efforts of our government to beat back this monstrous virus that is staring us in the face; we have come to aid the process in fighting the pandemic,” she stated.
According to her, as a small team of compatriots in South Sudan, the association was able to raise over US$3,800 to buy canisters, therefore ALISS dipped into her coffers to respond to the second wave of infection in Liberia.
She noted that, over the past year, the association has supported several community initiatives back home, including the provision of hand pumps, school supplies and medical assistance.
Madam Kamara said, in December 2019, ALISS provided over 100 maternity kits costing over 2k for new mothers at four health center in Margibi County.
According to her, the anti-Covid initiative is the latest in such support and will continue to support both government and community projects.
“We are glad that we have this opportunity to lend our support and please do not hesitate to call on us when such need arises in the future; we at ALISS will be glad to help out,” she added.
Receiving the donation on behalf of JKF, Ignatius R. Kamara, Director, Material Management, said JKF has received many donations in recent time including oxygen, masks and others.
“We are always grateful for donations that come because in this time it is a fight that we all have to come together to win; saying,“If we do not come together it will be difficult for us to win this fight,” Director Kamara explained.