The Ebola epidemic will continue to cripple the economies of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone even as transmission rates in the three countries show significant signs of slowing, according to a World Bank Group analysis on the economic impact of Ebola in Africa. The Bank Group estimates that these three countries will lose at least US$1.6 billion in forgone economic growth in 2015 as a result of the epidemic. The World Bank Group has mobilized about $1 billion in financing for the countries hardest hit by the crisis. The World Bank Group also has established an Ebola Recovery and Reconstruction Trust Fund (ERRTF) to address the urgent and growing economic and social impact of the crisis in the region.
Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF), established as collaboration between the Government of Japan and the World Bank, also plans to support the mental health and psychosocial issues in the most affected areas in Liberia. Liberia is currently experiencing the worst Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in history. This is having a profound negative impact on the mental and psychosocial health of the population.
The "Liberia Community-based Psychosocial Response to the Ebola Crisis" aims to address the psychosocial health impact of the EVD outbreak at both the individual and community levels, with specific attention to the needs of high-risk groups and “first responders” in alignment with the GOL’s Psychosocial Response Strategy and Procedures Addressing the Needs of Persons, Families and Communities Affected by Ebola in Liberia. The project will be implemented primarily in the two counties which have been most impacted by the EVD outbreak.
The seminar will highlight the economic impact of Ebola crisis in Liberia as well as an overview of the project and how to mitigate the people in need by bringing together key stakeholders involved in the project.
Program
Opening Remarks
Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan
Speech
Her Excellency Youngor Telewoda, Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia (TBC)
Presentation
Ebola Economic Impact Update
Inguna Dobraja, Country Manager for Liberia, World Bank Group
Liberia Community-based Psychosocial Response to the Ebola Crisis
Sarah Elizabeth McCune, Consultant, World Bank Group
Download presentation (PDF)
Ebola Assistance in Liberia
Dr. Yasuyuki Kato, National Center for Global Health and Medicine
Q and A
Closing Remarks
Yasusuke Tsukagoshi, Special Representative, Japan, World Bank Group
Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF)
The Government of Japan and the World Bank established JSDF in June 2000, with the goal of providing grants to support community-driven development and poverty reduction projects that empower and directly improve the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable groups not reached by other programs. A unique and valued feature of the JSDF program is that it provides a platform for cooperation with non-governmental agencies and other local stakeholders in the development process. The Government of Japan has support over 300 social development programs and projects, up to the end of June 2013.
Registration
Please register with online registration form. As seating is limited, registration will be on a first come, first served basis.