GREENVILLE, Sinoe – Sinoe’s county health officer is calling for the central government and international partners to work with the county to renovate an abandoned center that previously used to treat Ebola patients.

Jonathan Flomo says the current treatment unit lacks the capacity to hold more cases, should the number of COVID-19 patients in the county increase. The county has only confirmed five cases so far, with one death and one recovery.

“The facility we are using is very small – only two rooms and a single bathroom,” Flomo explained the limitations of the current facility being used. “And we have to observe the [separation of the] sexes now that we have our first female COVID-19 case.”

Sinoe’s county health officer says he has raised this issue on many occasions, even during national Incident Management System meetings held by videoconference. However, he says there has been no progress, and he is now calling on prominent citizens of the county and other stakeholders to provide financial aid and building materials to help get the treatment unit ready.

“This whole thing, on a daily basis, worries me a lot,” he added. “What might happen, God forbid, if our cases continue to increase like other counties? It will not be healthy for all of us as a county and people. Please, I am calling everyone to help with whatever in making sure to set up the treatment unit.”

The former Ebola treatment unit is located in Merryville Township, Butaw District, about nine kilometers from Greenville. It was constructed in 2015 during the Ebola outbreak with funding from partners.

After Liberia was declared Ebola-free, a lack of security at the government-owned facility meant the facility was broken into and looted – even the roof was removed.

Featured photo by Teahwleh Clarke Geeplay