Liberia ebola
AT least 11,000 people have died in Liberia since the first Ebola epidemic hit in March 2014.
(Abbas Dulleh)
Medical Teams International has been awarded $833,000 to fight Ebola in Liberia.
The money, from the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, will help the Tigard-based group work with Liberian health officials as they respond to outbreaks of the disease. Liberia was declared Ebola-free by the World Health Organization last May but then the virus surged anew. The latest outbreak was declared over in January.
The World Health Organization expects more flare-ups. The organization said that a strong surveillance and response system will be critical in the months ahead.
Medical Teams International has been working in Liberia since it was hit with the Ebola virus in 2014. At least 11,000 have died.
The 12-month grant will enable the organization to continue its work by accompanying Liberian professionals as they identify new cases and isolate patients. The organization plans to have patients moved to regional isolation and treatment units as quickly as possible.
Joe DiCarlo, vice president of Medical Teams International, said the organization is grateful for the grant.
"This significant grant will ensure that essential health, containment and safety measures are implemented," DiCarlo said in a statement.
-- Lynne Terry
lterry@oregonian.com; 503-221-8503