๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ง ๐๐ง ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ ๐๐จ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฌ
October 25, 2026
Monrovia: The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Gbeme Horace-Kollie, is urging women across the country, particularly cross-border traders, rural women, and market women, to exercise heightened vigilance and strictly observe all recommended health and safety measures amid growing regional concern over the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak.
The Ministerโs call follows a statement issued by the Ministry of Health on October 21, 2026, directing all health facilities, border entry points, public buildings, and other institutions across Liberia to immediately strengthen screening measures and strictly enforce Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols.
The MoH’s directive is based on the confirmation of an Ebola case in Nigeria and the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, which have prompted renewed calls for heightened surveillance, strengthened infection prevention measures, and strict compliance with public health guidance.
Among the key measures outlined by the Ministry of Health are ensuring functional handwashing stations with soap and water or appropriate hand sanitizers at entrances, screening individuals for symptoms and relevant travel or exposure history, and adhering to national public health guidance. The Ministry further emphasized that temperature checks alone are insufficient for effective screening and infection prevention.
In light of these measures, Minister Horace-Kollie is particularly encouraging women engaged in cross-border trade, mining activities, agricultural activities, and other economic transactions that involve frequent movement between communities and neighboring countries to remain alert, comply with screening procedures, and cooperate fully with health authorities.
Recognizing the indispensable role women play in local commerce, food security, agriculture, and household livelihoods, the Minister stresses that protecting women from preventable health risks is critical to safeguarding families, communities, and Liberiaโs broader economic well-being.
โThis is a time for vigilance, responsibility, and collective action, not denial. Every woman must take preventive health measures seriously, follow official guidance, and help protect her family and community from potential health risks,โ Minister Horace-Kollie emphasized.
The Minister is also encouraging market associations, womenโs organizations, community leaders, and local authorities to intensify awareness campaigns, particularly in rural and border communities, to ensure that women receive accurate, accessible, and timely information on Ebola prevention.
She further cautions against misinformation, complacency, and disregard for established health protocols.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection encourages all women and community members to rely on official communications from the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) for verified information.
The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to working with health authorities, development partners, womenโs groups, and community stakeholders to promote public awareness and ensure that women, especially those in vulnerable and underserved communities are informed and empowered to take appropriate preventive action.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has assured the public that it will provide timely and accurate updates as the situation evolves. Protecting women means protecting families, communities, and Liberia.
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