Overview
The Republic of Liberia, located on the Atlantic coast of Africa, is bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Cote d’Ivoire. Most of the country is a plateau covered by dense tropical forests that thrive under an annual rainfall of about 160 inches. While Liberia’s summers are typically cloudy and wet, its winters are dry with hot days and cool nights. Agriculture comprises 70 percent of Liberia’s labor force and includes crops of rubber, coffee, cocoa, rice, sugarcane, and bananas. Natural resources include iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold, and hydropower. Eighty percent of the population lives below the poverty line. The unemployment rate is at 85 percent, and the inflation rate has increased to 47 percent. Currently, there are 100,000 people living with HIV and AIDS; the prevalence rate among adults is 5.9 percent. Food and fresh water are in short supply, and life-threatening diseases are a constant concern. Furthermore, children and young people are at high risk for contracting infectious diseases such as typhoid fever, yellow fever, Lassa fever, and schistosomaiasis.

World Vision’s Work
World Vision’s work in Liberia began in 1959 with a one-time grant to train indigenous pastors. In 1974, World Vision returned to Liberia to assist David Kepple, executive director of Air Evangelism International Inc., in the making of the film Search for Survival.

In 1982, World Vision’s first development project in Liberia was initiated and provided primary health education and vaccinations to 4,500 people in the Boykai region. Boykai communities also benefited from a 25 percent increase in food production from World Vision’s efforts.

As calm gradually returns to the country, World Vision’s focus lies primarily with providing relief to the displaced families and children. Since May 2004, World Vision has established three supplementary feeding centers in Grand Cape Mount County.