NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – Former Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor is calling for increased national preparedness and vigilance amid growing public concerns about Ebola following a video circulated by Nurse Bedell.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
In a public statement issued Monday morning, Madam Howard-Taylor said her remarks were not intended to create fear but to encourage responsibility, preparedness, and awareness among Liberians.
The former Vice President reflected on the painful memories of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, noting that many Liberians continue to carry the scars of the deadly epidemic that claimed thousands of lives across West Africa, including Liberia.
She said families were broken, communities devastated, and healthcare workers made enormous sacrifices during the crisis, with many losing their lives while serving the country.
Madam Howard-Taylor also referenced the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing that she personally experienced severe effects from the virus and nearly lost her life.
Quoting Ezekiel 33:6 from the King James Version of the Bible, she emphasized what she described as the duty of a “watchman” to warn people of danger and encourage vigilance rather than panic.
According to her, Ebola remains present in parts of Africa, and increasing global interconnectedness means infectious diseases can spread across borders more rapidly than before.
Nurse Paula Bedell
She commended the Ministry of Health for issuing public health advisories encouraging preventive measures, stating that early awareness and transparent communication are essential in saving lives.
The former Vice President urged authorities to strengthen surveillance measures at airports and border entry points while expanding community awareness and preparedness efforts across schools, healthcare facilities, businesses, government institutions, and local communities.
Recalling the Ebola crisis of 2014, Madam Howard-Taylor said many early warnings at the time were doubted, delayed, or misunderstood, leading to devastating consequences.
She stressed that while Liberians continue to demonstrate resilience in the face of numerous national challenges, resilience alone is not enough without proper preparedness.
Madam Howard-Taylor then posed several questions to the nation, asking whether Liberia’s systems, institutions, communities, and workplaces are adequately prepared to respond to another possible health emergency.
She concluded by calling for compassion, truth, and responsible action, while urging Liberians to support healthcare workers, protect vulnerable citizens, and work collectively to safeguard the country.
