Liberia: CSI Donates Essential Medical Supplies to C.H. Rennie Hospital
By Cedrick Jones
Children Surgery International (CSI) has made a generous donation of essential medical supplies to the C.H. Rennie Hospital in Kakata, Margibi County. The donation, which took place on January 19, was made through CSI's Community Health Initiative (CHI). The supplies included surgical and orthopedic materials, as well as nose masks and other essential hospital equipment.
CSI is a group of volunteer American doctors who are currently in Liberia providing surgeries for children between the ages of 0 and 20. Laura Koppel, the Head of Missions for Children Surgery International, stated that the donation was their way of contributing to the medical needs of Liberians, particularly in Margibi County, where they have been partnering with Firestone Liberia since 2010.
The County Health Officer (CHO) of Margibi County, Dr. Sianeh T. Jackson, expressed gratitude for the timely donation.
“This donation came in time because we are completely out of these things. The hospital got burned and most of the things in it got burned as well, so we have been in dire need of these kinds of supplies,” Jackson said.
She told the Daily Observer in an exclusive interview that all health facilities in the county faced challenges due to limited resources, making the donation all the more valuable.
“All the health facilities within the county have challenges because resources are limited, so if there is a little, it has to be appropriated in a way so that all facilities will benefit. All of the clinics, hospitals, and medical facilities are struggling. Most of the time, the needed drug and medical supply are not available.”
She said that the hospital experienced a fire incident in August 2021, resulting in the loss of many supplies. Since then, some staff members have been transferred to the Kakata Health Center and other facilities to continue providing care to the county's residents.
She also expressed hope that the proposed 150-bed hospital, which had been planned after the fire incident, would soon be constructed under the incoming government.
The Margibi County CHO assured the donors and citizens of Margibi County that the medical supplies would be used for their intended purpose.
Galakpa Johnson, the medical doctor in charge at the hospital, expressed gratitude for the donation and commended the CSI team for their service to Liberia. He acknowledged the lives they had saved over the years and encouraged them to continue their important work.