By Jessica Cox
PAYNESVILLE, Liberia – The Ministry of Health and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have officially launched the construction of a 116-bed maternity hospital on Duport Road, a major healthcare project aimed at strengthening maternal and child health services in Montserrado County.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Thursday, June 18, brought together senior government officials, lawmakers, healthcare professionals, development partners, community leaders, and representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is financing the project.
Upon completion, the new facility will upgrade the existing Duport Road Health Center into a fully functional hospital, significantly expanding access to specialized maternal and newborn healthcare services for residents of the growing Duport Road corridor and surrounding communities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto described the project as a critical investment in Liberia’s healthcare system and a major contribution to efforts aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal deaths across the country.
Dr. Kpoto expressed gratitude to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for supporting the initiative and also acknowledged the role of First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai in advocating for improved healthcare services at the Duport Road Health Center.
The Health Minister noted that the project complements the Ministry’s ongoing 365-Day Action Plan, which focuses on reducing maternal and newborn mortality through improved healthcare delivery, expanded infrastructure, and strengthened services for women and children.
She also praised healthcare workers for their dedication despite the challenges confronting the sector and encouraged them to remain committed to serving the Liberian people.
The keynote address was delivered by First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai, who commended the partnership between the Ministry of Health and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and emphasized the importance of continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and services.
The First Lady highlighted the significance of maternal and child health programs and stressed the need for collaborative efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes for women and children throughout Liberia.
The planned hospital is expected to provide expanded maternity services, improve access to quality healthcare for expectant mothers, and strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to maternal and neonatal health challenges.
Officials said the project represents another important step in the government’s broader effort to improve healthcare infrastructure and ensure that more Liberians have access to quality medical services closer to their communities.
When completed, the Duport Road Maternity Hospital is expected to become a key referral facility for maternal and newborn healthcare in Montserrado County, helping to ease pressure on existing hospitals while providing specialized care for thousands of women and children annually.
