By Calvin Quays|LPR News, Monrovia
It is estimated that 30,000 old folks risk dying in Liberia if government and its international partners do not intervene to rescue them during the state of emergency to combat COVID-19, according to the Executive Director of the National Old Folks of Liberia (NOFOL) Momo A. Bainda.
Director Bainda stated that the intervention of government to protect the elderly people within the Liberian society is critical to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 within the different community across the nation.
The NOFOL Boss made the disclosed in an interview the Liberia Public Radio recently at its head office on Camp Johnson Road in Monrovia.
He noted that it is unfortunate for senior citizens of Liberia to assemble at VAMOMA’s Junction to be seeking for handout from members of the public without observing social distancing of the health protocols instituted by the Ministry of Health to prevent the spread of the coronavirus among the population.
He stressed that most of them have been accompanied by their grand children and this poses serious danger for their health and safety in the various communities.
Director Bainda maintained that NOFOL has been catering to some of the needs of the elderly people along with its partners around the country, but since the outbreak of the COVID-19 in Liberia, it has been difficult for the organization to address their needs, noting that everything has been halted as the result of the fight against COVID-19.
According to him, the whole world is suffering from COVID-19 pandemic, but elderly people are more vulnerable in this situation as the death rates are higher among the old people around the world than any age group.
He asserted that NOFOL in collaboration with the Coalition of Caregiver and advocate for the Elderly in Liberia (COCAEL) Response Committee intends to create awareness through the mass and social media on different issues affecting elderly people in this pandemic situation confronting the nation
Director Bainda has appealed to government and humanitarian to look in the direction of Liberia’s senior citizens at this critical time to bring relief to them while they are still alive .adding that they have contributed towards the growth and development of Liberia
The government of Liberia has not commented on the claim of neglect from the old folks of Liberia.
The elderly men and women have been at the VAMOMA in Sinkor since the outbreak of the COVID-19 in Liberia begging for handouts from individuals.
Recently an employee of the National Port Authority (NPA) Calvin V. Gray made a donation of few bags of rice and cash to the old folks.
Speaking at the brief ceremony, Calvin Gray who a research analyst at NPA said he petty the condition of the old folks and called on them to remain calm as he and others will always remember them whenever the need arises.
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