24/05/2026
Our former Vice President of Liberia, H.E. Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor writes:
“But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned… his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.”
The EBOLA DISCUSSION: Are We Prepared?
Good morning, fellow Liberians,
Like many of you, I have listened to recent discussions and viewed concerns shared regarding Ebola. I am not fully aware of all the circumstances surrounding the video circulated by Nurse Bedell. However, this morning I feel compelled to reflect, not from a place of fear, but from a place of remembrance, humility, and responsibility.
Many of us still carry the scars of the devastating Ebola outbreak of 2014. Families were broken. Communities grieved. Healthcare workers served courageously, and many paid the ultimate price of their lives.
Years later, COVID 19 reminded us once again how vulnerable our world remains to infectious diseases.
I, too, experienced the impact of the Covid pandemic personally and almost lost my life.
How be it, Scripture reminds us in Ezekiel 33:6 (KJV):
“But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned… his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.”
The duty of a watchman is not to create panic.
It is to encourage vigilance, preparedness, and collective action.
Ebola continues to affect parts of Africa, and in an increasingly interconnected world, diseases can cross borders more quickly than ever before. This reality calls for caution, preparedness, and stronger public health systems.
I commend the Ministry of Health for issuing advisories encouraging citizens to take preventive measures. Early awareness and transparent communication save lives.
It is my hope that continued efforts will include strengthened surveillance at airports and border entry points, increased community education, and proactive preparedness across ministries, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and communities.
When I heard the concerns being raised, my mind returned to 2014, to the painful memories of warnings that were doubted, delayed, or misunderstood. The cost of inaction was heartbreaking.
Today, Liberia faces many challenges, and our people continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience. Yet resilience must be accompanied by preparedness.
So I ask:
Are we prepared?
Are our systems prepared?
Are our communities informed?
Are our schools, institutions, and workplaces ready?
These are not questions meant to inspire fear, but to inspire responsibility.
This is our moment for compassion, truth, and responsible action.
Let’s support our families and communities; our healthcare workers; protect the vulnerable among us, and may God continue to preserve and bless Liberia.
With hope and humility,
Jewel Howard Taylor
