…Says, Victims health is at risk
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
The Global Justice Peace & Human Rights Advocacy Network, INC. (GJPHRAN) is urgently calling on the Boakai government of Liberia to provide immediate assistance to the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) in their efforts to support victims of recent natural disasters caused by heavy rainfalls.
Stating that the flooding has left many citizens with nowhere to sleep, resulting in the loss of personal items, and has put countless lives, particularly those of children, at risk due to exposure to polluted water.
The Global Justice Peace & Human Rights Advocacy Network, INC. (GJPHRAN) is a group dedicated to promoting justice, peace, and human rights across the globe. And work tirelessly to support communities in need and advocate for policies that enhance human dignity and well-being.
In a communication issued on Friday, June 28, 2024, under the signature of Proph. Dr. Marie Scott Wilson, Founder and CEO of GJPHRAN,
the right advocacy group wants the government to provide the necessary support to the Liberia National Red Cross Society to assist those in dire need of help, and health and safety. “We urge the Boakai government to act swiftly and provide the necessary support to the LNRCS.
Our communities are in dire need of help, and the health and safety of countless individuals, especially children, depend on immediate and coordinated action.” said Proph. Dr. Marie Scott Wilson, Founder and CEO of GJPHRAN.
Further adding that the Liberia National Red Cross Society has been tirelessly working on the front lines to provide aid and support to those affected by the disaster.
However, asserted that their resources are stretched thin, therefore, additional assistance from the government is essential to effectively address this crisis.
“The Liberia National Red Cross Society has been tirelessly working on the front lines to provide aid and support to those affected by this disaster. However, their resources are stretched thin, and additional assistance from the government is essential to effectively address this crisis.”
Meanwhile, the Global Justice Peace and Human Rights Advocacy Network said that the recent flooding has had devastating effects on the health and safety of our communities. The polluted water caused by the rain poses several severe side effects.
They added that contaminated floodwaters can carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites, leading to serious illnesses such as cholera.
He asserted that these diseases are particularly dangerous for children, whose immune systems are more vulnerable and that prolonged contact with polluted water can cause skin infections and rashes, further compromising the health of affected individuals, especially women and children.
In furtherance, Proph. Dr. Marie Scott Wilson added that damp and moldy conditions resulting from flooding can lead to respiratory problems, including asthma and other chronic lung conditions.
At the same time adding that the floodwaters can cause significant electrical damage, leading to dangerous situations such as electric shocks, fires, and power outages. These hazards pose an immediate risk to the safety of residents and complicate rescue and recovery efforts.
Therefore, Proph. Dr. Marie Scott Wilson wants the government to provide temporary shelters for the many citizens who have lost their homes and are in desperate need of safe and temporary accommodations to protect them from further exposure to the elements. He emphasized the need for victims to be provided essential goods and medical assistance.
He asserted that flood victims require immediate access to clean drinking water, food, clothing, and hygiene supplies to mitigate the health risks posed by the polluted floodwaters. Additionally, he said health professionals and medical supplies are crucial to treat and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and other health issues arising from the flooding.
