The United States has joined other countries to stand by Sierra Leone during the crisis of the mudslide and flooding that took place on 14 August 2017.
A press release issued by the Embassy reads, “We remain a strong partner in support of the disaster response led by the government of Sierra Leone. The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance has donated $100,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to be used by the Sierra Leonean chapter of the Red Cross in its emergency response.”
However, in a telephone interview with Sierra Leone Red Cross (SLRC) Head of Communications, Abu Bakarr Tarawallie, said he is unaware of the donation. He pointed out that most of the time these agencies make pledges it is not as if the cash monies are being handed over to Red Cross.
The U.S. Embassy press release said, “The donation is to build …on long-term support already provided by the U.S. government to Sierra Leone to build its emergency response structures and institutions.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) staff in Sierra Leone are working closely with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation at the Public Health Emergency Operations Center and at various communities across the Western Area.
“CDC public health experts are working with the MOH to conduct surveillance for any potential disease outbreak, such as cholera. The 117 hotline—which was used during the Ebola outbreak and is also being used by the Government of Sierra Leone to track and respond to reports of human remains or possible disease outbreaks—is supported financially by the CDC Foundation, a U.S. non-profit philanthropic organization created to support the CDC’s work. A Regional Humanitarian Advisor from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance arrived in Sierra Leone as part of the U.S. government’s humanitarian response to provide technical expertise on disaster response and management, and identify additional support needs.”
The press report states, “…The advisor will work closely with the Government of Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leonean Red Cross, and international relief partners. Food for Peace personnel have also been on the ground assisting with nutrition and food security needs assessments. The Department of Defense (DOD) personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Freetown are working closely with the Office of National Security (ONS) to provide technical support as and when needed.” Also adding that a team of engineers from the U.S. Army Africa (USARAF) is on their way to Sierra Leone to meet with the Sierra Leone Institute of Engineers, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) corps of engineers, and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to provide support to a structural engineering assessment. OG/23/8/17
By Ophaniel Gooding
Thursday August 24, 2017.
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