IPNEWS: Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – October 21, 2025 – In a proactive response to the growing threat of Monkeypox in Liberia, the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has trained 20 community volunteers to lead public awareness campaigns in Grand Bassa County.
The initiative, launched on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the Bassa Youth Caucus office on the Fairgrounds, is part of a broader national effort to curb the spread of Monkeypox (Mpox) through education and grassroots engagement.
The training attracted a diverse group of young men and women, all eager to serve as health ambassadors in their respective communities.
Dr. Prince L. Bestmen of the Liberia National Red Cross led the session and emphasized the critical role of volunteers in disease prevention.
“This training is vital for empowering our volunteers to effectively communicate prevention strategies and reduce the spread of the disease,” Dr. Bestmen stated.
Volunteers were trained in key areas including symptoms identification, hygiene promotion, and safe community engagement practices, particularly in high-risk areas.
The 20 volunteers trained in Grand Bassa are part of a broader group of 150 volunteers being deployed across five counties Montserrado, Rivercess, Nimba, Lofa, and Grand Bassa which have recorded the highest number of Monkeypox cases, according to the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL).
Montserrado County, which has the largest population and the highest case count, will receive the bulk of the volunteers (75), while the remaining 75 will be distributed among the other four counties.
Mr. Mac Nagbe Nelson, Pillar Lead for Risk Communication and Community Engagement at the Ministry of Health, lauded the collaboration with the Liberia Red Cross, noting that community-level health interventions are essential in controlling outbreaks.
“We’re committed to supporting this initiative. The success of public health efforts depends heavily on community trust and involvement,” Nelson said.
Ms. Bunti Lee, the Red Cross field officer in Grand Bassa, expressed confidence in the capacity of the volunteers and pledged continued support for the campaign.
“Together, we can make a real impact in our communities and help protect our people from Monkeypox,” she said.
This joint initiative marks a significant step in Liberia’s ongoing fight against Monkeypox. By equipping volunteers with accurate information and outreach tools, the Ministry of Health and the Liberia Red Cross are building a frontline of health advocates ready to raise awareness, prevent misinformation, and promote safe practices in vulnerable communities.
As the campaign unfolds across the country, stakeholders hope that increased awareness and early intervention will lead to a decline in infections and better public health outcomes. By: Andrew B Weah ,0770637216/088642910, andrewbweah@gmail.com
