Liberians recently gathered to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the devastating Ebola outbreak that struck West Africa, claiming over 10,000 lives. The solemn occasion took place on National Decoration Day, a day of remembrance in Liberia. Attendees paid their respects at a memorial site near Monrovia, where many victims were laid to rest.
The Ebola outbreak, which occurred primarily in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, resulted in the deaths of approximately 11,000 individuals, with Liberia alone accounting for nearly 5,000 fatalities. Despite the official declarations of the country being Ebola-free since 2016, the cultural stigma surrounding the disease persists, leading some to attribute deaths to other causes.
One attendee, who has been caring for her siblings since losing her mother to Ebola, expressed her grief and the importance of honoring her loved one. The Disco Hill Safe Burial Site in Margibi County, where numerous victims were interred, served as a poignant backdrop for the commemoration.
The National Public Health Institute of Liberia reported that around 4,500 individuals were buried or cremated at the site. Family members gathered in groups, holding flowers and singing hymns in memory of their departed loved ones.
Another couple, who run an orphanage for children orphaned by the virus, also attended the event to pay their respects. They lamented the premature loss of lives and expressed their commitment to supporting the affected children.
Following the Ebola crisis, Liberia has grappled with persistent economic challenges. The newly elected president, Joseph Boakai, assumed office earlier this year with promises to address economic issues, enhance security, and combat corruption in the country.
