Liberia: WHO Enhances MOH Mobility

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the government of Germany have donated two ambulances and an operating Land Cruiser to the Ministry of Health of Liberia. The vehicles are worth over US$130,000 and will be used to enhance the country's health system and strengthen its infectious disease center.

The donation was made at a ceremony in Monrovia on May 17, 2023. Speaking at the ceremony, WHO Country Representative Dr. Peter Clement said the vehicles would help to improve the country's case management and boost its health sector.

“We think that this support is a critical one to boost Liberia's health sector,” Clement said. “These vehicles will enhance the country's health system thereby strengthening case management which is critical.”

Clement also noted that the donation was made possible by the general contribution from the government of Germany. He said the operating Land Cruiser-Pick-up will be used to coordinate the oxygen plants from one point to another in the country.

German Ambassador to Liberia Dr. Jakob Haselhuber said the donation was part of the German government's commitment to supporting Liberia's health sector. He said the government was determined to build a resilient health system in Liberia and that the donation was a step in the right direction.

“Liberia benefited from the experience of EBVD and now the COVID-19 pandemic, the country still reports a high number of health records for people infected with the disease,” Haselhuber said. “The German government is committed to supporting Liberia's health sector and we hope that this donation will help to improve the quality of care and better patient outcomes.”

Health Minister Dr. Wilhemina S. Jallah acknowledged the receipt of the ambulances and said the Ministry was pleased for the kind gesture. She said the vehicles would be used to provide oxygen in and around Monrovia while the other plants are operating.

“We hope that this will be used to bring our filled and empty cylinder back and forth to make sure that every facility will struggle from oxygen,” Jallah said.

She also disclosed that during the Covid-19 pandemic the star based oxygen plant was opened as an infectious disease unit because not only Covid-19 affect Liberia, we have other diseases like the Lassa Fever among others that need to be treated at the center there, “we have already received the equipment for the intensive care unit that we will be setting up shortly with proper training for our staff.”

The donation of the ambulances and the Land Cruiser is a significant step in strengthening Liberia's health system. The vehicles will help to improve the country's case management and boost its health sector. The donation is also a testament to the strong partnership between the WHO, the government of Germany, and the Ministry of Health of Liberia.