August 22, 2024In observance of World Humanitarian Day, celebrated under the theme “Act for Humanity,” the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) extended compassionate care to vulnerable populations across Bong, Margibi, Montserrado, and Grand Bassa Counties. This year’s celebration focused on reaching people with disabilities, orphans, and female inmates, showcasing the true spirit of humanitarianism.
One of the most poignant stories of the day was that of John Mulbah and his wife, Patience, a disabled couple living in the Cotton Tree community in Gbarnga, Bong County. John, who became visually impaired in 2005 after swimming in a local stream, and Patience, who was paralyzed in 2010 following a medical operation during the birth of their second child, struggle daily to provide for their three children.
Despite his blindness, John has taken on the arduous task of sand mining from a nearby river, using his hands, feet, and imagination to dig sand for sale. This backbreaking work was the family’s lifeline until recent heavy rainfall and flooding made it impossible, leaving them without income or food and reliant on the kindness of others.
During the Red Cross’s visit to their home, John shared his story with tears in his eyes, appealing for additional support, especially for his five-month-old baby, who needs food and medical care, and for his eight-year-old daughter, who requires educational assistance.
“Life is not easy for us,” John said. “Things often become more difficult when the sand I dig from the river is not bought on time by customers so that we can buy food. Especially now because the river is flooded, I cannot go there.”
The Mulbah family’s plight is just one example of the many challenges faced by people with special needs across Liberia. As part of this year’s World Humanitarian Day activities, the Red Cross provided food and essential non-food items, including rice, sardines, and vegetable oil, to vulnerable groups. The Red Cross also distributed sanitary pads to female inmates at various prisons in Monrovia, Buchanan, Gbarnga, and Kakata, helping to ensure their dignity and address their basic needs.
This year’s theme, “Act for Humanity,” aligns perfectly with the LNRCS’s mission to support vulnerable communities. The organization has taken significant steps to mark the day by making local donations across Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Bong Counties. With the generous support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the LNRCS has made a meaningful impact on the lives of those with special needs.
In a country like Liberia, where humanitarian challenges are vast and complex, the LNRCS’s initiative underscores the importance of collective action to support the most vulnerable. The distribution of food and essential non-food items to those in need is a testament to the dedication of humanitarian workers and the spirit of compassion that drives the Red Cross’s mission.
As the world observes World Humanitarian Day, the story of John and Patience Mulbah serves as a poignant reminder of the daily struggles faced by many and the vital role that the Red Cross plays in alleviating suffering and bringing hope to those who need it most.
The LNRCS extends its deepest gratitude to the ICRC for its funding support, which has enabled the organization to continue its vital work in communities across Liberia. The success of this year’s World Humanitarian Day activities is a collective achievement, reflecting the power of humanitarianism in action.
