Liberian President Sirleaf mourns Dr. Atai

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a message of condolence to the Government and people of Uganda, especially the bereaved family, through His Excellency Mr. Yowere Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia and in her own name, on the death of Dr. Anne Deborah Atai-Omoruto. 

She died as a result of pancreatic cancer on Thursday, May 2, 2016. She was 59. Dr. Atai-Omoruto, at the request of the World Health Organization, came to Liberia in July 2014 with a team of 14 Ugandan health workers she had gathered at the height of the Ebola epidemic and helped turn the tide in the battle against the disease. At the time, the outbreak had reached Monrovia; non-governmental organizations were pulling their workers out of the country; and many governments were unwilling to send medics.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Liberian leader, in her message to her Ugandan counterpart said, "It is with profound shock and deep sorrow that we have learned of the death of Dr. Anne Deborah Atai-Omoruto as a result of cancer on Thursday, May 2, 2016."

President Sirleaf, remembering her meaningful contribution to this country, classified her as a "heroine" who dedicated her time and effort to the fight against the deadly Ebola Virus Disease in Liberia; adding, "Dr. Omoruto led a team of Ugandan doctors to Liberia and also stood as a strong advocate for health workers who were on the frontier of the fight. Her courage and dedication inspired many health workers in Liberia; particularly women."

She prayed that God will grant, President Museveni and the people of Uganda, strength, courage and fortitude as they go through this difficult period. In a related development, President Sirleaf has also sent a condolence message to the Government and people of the Arab Republic of Egypt for the loss of eight policemen on the outskirts of Cairo as a result of a terrorist attack on Sunday, May 8, 2016.

In her message to His Excellency Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Liberian leader expressed profound sadness and shock and extended to his Excellency and through him to the Government and people of the Arab Republic of Egypt, especially the bereaved families, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia and in her own name, heartfelt condolences for the irreparable loss sustained.

She prayed that the Almighty Allah will grant President El-Sisi and the people of the Egypt the strength, courage and fortitude as they go through this period of national mourning.-Press release