FOCUS
Rebuilding Communities
Promoting Health and Fighting Disease
Alleviating Hunger
Creating Economic Opportunities
MDGs ADDRESSED
MDG 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
MDG 4: Reduce child mortality
MDG 5: Improve maternal health
MDG 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
MDG 8: Create a global partnership for development
OVERVIEW
Liberia, Africa’s oldest republic, was established in 1822 with settlements of freed American slaves. A strong government for more than 100 years did much to encourage foreign investment and improve the economic, social and physical conditions of its population. However, in the last 26 years, Liberia has been marked by political upheaval, including coups, assassinations, and a prolonged civil war.
Liberia’s political instability has resulted in chronic displacement and poverty—80% of the population lives below the poverty line. The basic health care and social service infrastructure was essentially decimated during 15 years of civil war. In 2005, conflict ceased and free and fair elections brought to power Africa’s first duly elected female head of state—Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Our PARTNER
Episcopal Relief and Development is partnering with the Province of the Episcopal Church of Liberia, which is part of the Church of the Province of West Africa. Historically, the Diocese of Liberia has been very active in building the educational infrastructure of the country. In the aftermath of the civil war, the diocese is focusing on supporting communities in need of the basics—food, clean water and sanitation, health care, and education.
Our CURRENT PROGRAMS
Episcopal Relief and Development is meeting some of the most pressing development needs in Liberia, while helping people recover from the chaos and violence of the last two decades.
Episcopal Relief and Development worked with the diocese to complete a strategic plan, hire a development officer, and place field workers in three rural archdeaconries. Clergy and other key leaders have been consulted and trained on development issues as they relate to the Church’s mission in post-war Liberia. Assessments have been completed in two communities to identify the most vulnerable members and their specific needs.
Malaria is the leading cause of death among children under five years old. Episcopal Relief and Development will begin a two-year malaria prevention program that will protect a total of 148,500 children and other vulnerable people. There is great concern that the number of cases of HIV/AIDS has grown, especially among young people. Estimates suggest up to 10% of the population could be infected.
Rebuilding Communities
Episcopal Relief and Development is rebuilding the basic infrastructure in several communities in rural Harper and Bong Counties, to provide people with clean water, adequate sanitation, and access to local health care.
- Wells and latrines ensure that communities have clean sources of water and appropriate sanitation systems that prevent the spread of disease.
- Three new health clinics provide community members with basic health services.
- Partnerships with government and other stakeholders to start rebuilding projects to restore the transportation infrastructure.
Promoting Health and Fighting Disease
Episcopal Relief and Development is ensuring that communities have functioning health care facilities and services, and preventive education on the local level, since much of the health care infrastructure was destroyed during the years of conflict.
- Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, along with training in the proper use of nets, ensure that the most vulnerable are protected from the Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria.
- Trained malaria “agents” and volunteers instruct community members in malaria prevention and treatment methods.
- Basic hygiene training prevents the spread of water-related and food-borne illnesses.
- HIV/AIDS awareness workshops train clergy and community leaders to teach prevention methods, provide counseling to those affected by AIDS including orphaned children, and encourage people to seek voluntary testing and treatment.
Alleviating Hunger
Episcopal Relief and Development is improving the food supply in rural Maryland and Bong counties through by providing effective tools and training in sustainable agriculture methods.
- New hand tools help farmers improve their crops and increase production.
Creating Economic Opportunities
Episcopal Relief and Development is training people in Maryland and Bong counties in business development, and marketing and distribution. A micro-finance program provides access to credit to allow farmers to increase their food production and generate new sources of income.
- The Cavalla Solidarity Marketing Association (CASOMA) trains local farmers in developing and operating a micro-finance program to increase income in the community.
- A weekly market day provides opportunities for farmers to sell their produce locally.
Our PAST ACHIEVEMENTS
The NetsforLifeSM malaria prevention partnership distributed 11,500 long-lasting insecticide-treated nets in Liberia in 2007. A total of 18,850 people were sensitized about malaria prevention, and 250 individuals were trained as malaria agents. This brings the total number of people protected to 30,350.
At times during the 14-year civil war, on-going political crisis, and transitional government, Episcopal Relief and Development partnered with the Diocese of Liberia to bring emergency relief, including:
- Supplying food, blankets, and medicines.
- Supporting the health clinic and school at the Bromley Mission. The school provided education for children from the surrounding Internally Displaced Persons camps, as well as a home for girls from ages six to fourteen who lost their parents and other family members in the war.
