-Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Liberia’s Health Sector
By: Sampat JMB Kpakimah
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has described newly donated medical equipment as vital to improving healthcare delivery in Liberia, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s health system.
Speaking Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Official Launch of the Ear and Hearing Care Project at the John F Kennedy Memorial Hospital, President Boakai lauded the Rotary Club as a key partner to the government, noting the organization’s continued contributions to community development across the country.
He highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the Rotary Club, including the installation of solar panels in communities and the donation of assorted materials to vulnerable groups, including the elderly. The President further praised the organization for its role in not only addressing societal needs but also educating citizens, particularly young people, to become responsible contributors to society.
“Not everyone has the opportunity to travel abroad for medical care,” President Boakai said, stressing that his administration remains focused on building a resilient healthcare system that can adequately serve Liberians at home. He also raised concerns about workforce productivity, noting that “people sometimes pretend to work while employers pretend to pay,” and called for greater commitment and fairness to ensure competent individuals are properly compensated.
President Boakai expressed appreciation to both the Rotary Club, Church Aid Inc., and the John F. Kennedy Medical Center for their contributions, urging all Liberians to remain committed to national development. He encouraged the Rotary Club to continue promoting its core values of volunteerism and to inspire young people by demonstrating that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
The President emphasized that continued contributions and partnerships are essential to addressing the growing health challenges faced by many Liberians.
Providing technical insight and the overview of the Hearing Services at JFK Dr. Tabeh L. Freeman disclosed that approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide are living with ear and hearing disorders.
Dr. Freeman who also served as the Ear, Nose, and Throat Consultant at JFK expressed gratitude for the newly donated equipment and recommended that it be installed in separate, well-ventilated rooms to ensure optimal usage. Also speaking at the occasion, Reverend Kortu K. Brown provided background on Church Aid Inc, explaining that the organization was established to support individuals in need, particularly in areas where people often perceive that churches provide limited assistance.
The Reverend noted that Church Aid Inc partnered with the Starkey organization to expand its impact.
According to Rev. Brown, the organization has trained several women who are now deployed in various hospitals, and between 2024 and 2025, more than 12,000 individuals benefited from their programs.
He added that the initiative to screen newborn babies for hearing challenges prompted further advocacy, leading to support from a U.S.-based donor who helped raise funds to train specialists in ear and hearing care.
Rev. Brown disclosed that seven pieces of equipment have been procured and will be distributed to hospitals across several counties to support hearing screening.
He also noted that during World Hearing Day activities, screening was conducted in eight counties, describing the achievement as a significant milestone for the country. For his part, the current Rotary President, G. Gbassey Golee announced that the equipment will be distributed across Lofa, Bong, and Bomi counties.
He assured that the Rotary Club will monitor the usage of the equipment and urged the government, through the Ministry of Health, to provide adequate space for installation. Golee emphasized the need for accountability, noting that reports will be submitted to international partners to secure continued support.
He also called on the government to view development partners as collaborators, stressing that requests for information are aimed at supporting areas the government may not be able to reach effectively.
Representing the Ministry of Health, the Assistant Minister for Preventive Services, Dr. Cuallua Jebbeh Howe assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to the initiative, describing it as a reflection of a shared dedication to improving the future of Liberian children.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health Dr. Louise Kpoto Howe reaffirmed that the Ministry will ensure all children have access to hearing screening services.
Dr. Howe further assured that appropriate space will be provided for the equipment and revealed plans to expand services to rural hospitals by next year.
She emphasized that the ear and hearing equipment will be used responsibly to deliver lasting benefits to communities across Liberia. The equipment was brought to Liberia through Church Aid Inc in collaboration with the Rotary Club.
