Monrovia, Liberia -As the Ebola epidemic continues to claim the lives of many Liberians and possibly spiraling out of control, President Sirleaf, who had already declared the outbreak a national emergency, has announced a National Task Force against the deadly Ebola Virus.

The president, in her 167^th Independence Address announced that she would chair the Task force, whiles the Minister of Internal Affairs in his capacity as chair of the National Disaster Relief Commission was as her Co-chair.

She called on all Liberians to come together to fight the disease regardless of political, social, economic and religious persuasions; adding, “We must show a deep sense of nationalism.

We must reach across borders and join our brothers and sisters in the other neighboring countries that are affected to ensure continuing common response.”

The Liberian leader named other members of the Commission include: Women and Youth Organizations, Inter-Religious Council, Traditional Council, Labor Union, Market Organizations, Political Parties, Press Union, the Transport Unions, Motor Bikes Associations, to name a representative to participate on the Task Force.

The Task Force will give support to the Technical Team headed jointly by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare and the Country Representative of the World Health Organization.

President Sirleaf also announced the establishment of a Community Outreach Force with individuals mobilized from each community to reach out to communities, to sensitize them to the disease to provide them information as to how they can be protected themselves.

President Sirleaf again extended the Nation’s deepest and official sympathy to the families of all those affected and afflicted by the virus, including the doctors, the National Health team, as well as the dedicated and sacrificial health workers.

She committed Government’s obligation to respond to them in their time of need.

She also seized the opportunity again to extend heartfelt sympathy to the family of the late Ugandan doctor, Sam Mutooro Muhumuza, who also succumbed to the virus.

The late doctor’s wife and elder brother, Mrs. Dianna Mutooro and Rev. Jehoiada Mutooro, were in attendance at the Independence Day program where they were officially recognized and honored by the Liberian leader.