The president of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, joined International Medical Corps and Swiss Agency of Development and Cooperation (SDC) in commemorating the opening of a new public hospital in Lofa County. Reinforcing the government’s dedication to Liberia’s infrastructure, President Sirleaf attended the ceremony alongside other government officials and International Medical Corps and SDC country directors in Voinjama, Lofa’s largest city, on March 20th. Owned by the Liberian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, funded by SDC, and supported by International Medical Corps, the Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital is the largest, multi-specialty facility in the county.
Bringing together a variety of health care services in one location, the hospital will offer not only primary care, but also secondary services, including: surgery, gynecology and obstetrics, pediatrics, and general medicine. International Medical Corps, a humanitarian partner in Liberia and one of the first NGOs to provide health services to Lofa County, was selected to provide all secondary medical services. During its five years in Liberia, we have been working in partnership with the Ministry of Health, government, and community health workers to address the health needs of Lofa County residents. In these efforts, International Medical Corps has created a comprehensive medical system by supporting 18 health clinics, one health center, and one obstetrics and emergency surgical facility where Lofa’s citizens can access medical treatment and pursue a variety of health-related trainings.
As the region struggles to absorb thousands of returning refugees, the Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital is a critical addition to Lofa’s emerging health network because it combines primary and specialty care.
“We are honored to be a part of this synergetic partnership,” says Dr. Shams – Ul-Alam, International Medical Corps Country Director in Liberia. “This hospital is an example of the national and international collaboration Liberia needs to recover.”
Built in 1976, the Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital was in a state of disrepair following a civil conflict that killed an estimated 250,000 and forced thousands more Liberians to flee their homes to neighboring countries or internal resettlement camps. Elected in 2005 as Liberia’s first democratically elected leader, President Sirleaf has led the government in a gradual post-war reconstruction that includes revitalized social services, renewed commodity exports, and increased civil authorities. The rehabilitated memorial hospital is not only a product of the administration’s effort to mend Liberia’s war-torn infrastructure, but also the commitment of partners like International Medical Corps to ensuring that re-development is a success.
At the opening ceremony, President Sirleaf alluded to her deep appreciation of the international community by thanking International Medical Corps, SDC, and other NGO-community members for their help in Liberia’s transformation. After acknowledging the development that she has observed in Lofa over the past two years, President Sirleaf handed over the keys of the facility on to the Minister of Health, Dr. Walter Gwenegale, who emphasized the critical need for specialty medicine and recognized International Medical Corps for its ability to successfully provide those services in Lofa. Before the President cut the ribbon, these speeches were complemented by similar words of gratitude from government ministers, Swiss ambassadors, and Lofa County leaders. After the inauguration, Dr. Shams briefed the President of Liberia about our operation strategy for the hospital under the Swiss grant.
“We are honored to host President Sirleaf in Voinjama,” says Dr. Shams. “Her presence at the opening ceremony sends a strong message to the people of Lofa County that the Liberian government is dedicated to providing them with assistance and will work with the international community to make sure that development projects are successful.”
Wedged between Sierra Leone and Guinea in the far northwestern corner of Liberia, Lofa County has served as the receiving ground for 60 percent of the country’s returning refugees. Attempting to resettle in their homeland, these refugees are welcomed by a limping national infrastructure that is inadequately equipped to provide what they need to start anew. Despite the administration’s ambitious reforms, the U.S. government estimates that 80 percent of Liberia’s three million citizens live below the poverty line. Joining the country’s internally displaced persons, the inbound refugees face significant challenges, such as finding work when 85 percent of the working population is estimated to be unemployed. Afflicted with a high infant mortality rate and high infectious disease risk, life expectancy in Liberia barely grazes middle age at only 40 years old.
With a renewed, expanded capacity to respond to obstetric emergencies , treatable diseases, and emergency and trauma-related wounds, the Tellewoyan Hospital provides Lofa County with the capacity and services necessary to reduce these common health threats. A product of domestic and international partnership, the Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital is evidence of the dedication of the government, International Medical Corps, and others to nurture the country’s budding development and make sure sustainable, wide-reaching improvements are felt nationwide.