US Contributes $100,000 to Help Combat Catepillar Worms
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced today that the United States Government will be doubling the budget to combat caterpillar swarms in several counties. The $100,000 USD will be split between two efforts: $50,000 for pest control and surveillance measures, and $50, 000 for water and sanitation. Relief efforts will be led and coordinated through the regular meetings and communication channels established in Monrovia by the Minister of Agriculture and in Bong County by the County Agricultural and County Health teams. If necessary, relief efforts will be extended to other affected counties, e.g., Lofa and Gbarpolu.
The two experts sent from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) arrived in Monrovia on February 2, 2009. Mr. Ron Ruybal, USAID Regional Environmental Advisor based in Accra, and Mr. Alan Schroeder both have experience combating army worms, locusts and grasshoppers in West Africa. The primary goal is to contain the immediate infestation in environmentally safe ways that safeguard the health of the population. The U.S. Government’s response to the infestation of caterpillars will evolve as we learn more about the pest itself, (now identified as a caterpillar species that is not army worm), the impact of the infestation and as experts compose a strategy for control and mitigation.
United States Government assistance will be used to provide relief to more than 80 towns and villages where some 100,000 people lack food security and access to potable water and basic sanitation. The United States will also provide support to tracking and mapping the movement of the pests and protective gear for those combating the infestation. Announcing the assistance, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said “the American people are standing by Liberians in their time of need. We will work closely with the Liberian government’s task force to resolve the immediate crisis. It is also important to determine longer term solutions to minimize effects of future pest infestations and protect the population.”