Monrovia, Liberia 22 May 2015- With Liberia declared Ebola-free early May by the World Health Organisation H.E President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia has commended the efforts of the African Union in fighting the epidemic.

“ASEOWA volunteers stood out of the crowd among international responders and demonstrated the true spirit of Africa helping Africans” said President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. “The people of Liberia will forever be grateful to ASEOWA” she added.

The President received Major General Julius Facki Oketta, Head of Mission of African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA) and Ambassador Olawale Maiyegun, the Director of Social Affairs of the African Union Commission on 20 May 2015 in Monrovia, Liberia. Maj. General Oketta bade farewell to the President as mission comes to an end.

General Oketta highlighted the many achievements of ASEOWA and briefed President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf on the restoration of healthcare services that were shut down as a result of Ebola. He indicated that ASEOWA participated in restoring services at various medical facilities.

“Liberians were the real heroes and heroines in the defeat of Ebola. ASEOWA is happy to be part of the success story” said Ambassador Maiyegun. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma send a special message to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf that highlighted the resilience of the people of Liberia to the Ebola under her leadership and the support given to ASEOWA by the government and people of Liberia.

With the progress on the ground there is optimism that Sierra Leone and Guinea will be Ebola free before 18 August 2015 when ASEOWA’s mandate will come to an end. ASEOWA commenced gradual disengagement since March 2015. The African Union Commission is organising a post Ebola Conference in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea on recovery and reconstruction of the three affected countries from 20 to 21 July 2015. BD/TC/WZM

For more information visit http://www.au.int

For further information contact

Ms. Wynne Musabayana | Deputy Head of Division | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: MusabayanaW@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int|Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

Dr Djoudalbaye Benjamin| Head of Mission| African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA) |PO Box 2881- 10th Street-Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia| Tel. +231 880083432| Email: BenjaminD@africa-union.org

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The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision:to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable,efficient and responsive Commission. Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en/