By Precious D. Freeman
President Joseph Boakai has officially broken ground for the construction of the National Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Laboratory Center at the 14th Military Hospital in Margibi County, marking a significant milestone in Liberia’s healthcare infrastructure development.
The groundbreaking ceremony held on Friday, December 20, 2024, in Schiefflin Town, Margibi County, signals the commencement of a project born from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 6, 2018, between the Governments of Liberia and China.
The project, primarily focused on laboratory activities, was later expanded to include an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), an Operating Center, and a Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan unit.
This expansion came following discussions between a Liberian technical working group comprising representatives from the Ministry of Defense Civil Works Department, Armed Forces of Liberia Engineering and Medical Departments, and the Ministry of Health Infrastructure Department and a Chinese delegation that visited Liberia on September 17, 2019.
President Boakai emphasized that the facility would not only serve Liberia but also provide healthcare services to neighboring regions, positioning the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) as a key player in civil-military collaboration.
The laboratory will also bolster the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) in disease detection, prevention, and response.
In his keynote address, President Boakai described the groundbreaking ceremony as a “significant milestone in Liberia’s healthcare infrastructure development.”
He underscored the importance of the project in addressing critical healthcare needs and praised the longstanding partnership between Liberia and China.
“This project is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Government of China to Liberia’s development agenda. It will enhance our nation’s healthcare capabilities and improve outcomes for our citizens,” President Boakai remarked.
He extended heartfelt gratitude to China Aid and the Government of China for their continued support in Liberia’s infrastructure development.
Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu reaffirmed China’s dedication to supporting Liberia’s growth.
He noted that the project is the first China-Aid initiative following the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), where the two nations elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership.
“Today, as we turn the soil for this significant project, we are sowing the seeds of a healthier, safer, and more prosperous future for China and Liberia. This facility symbolizes our shared vision of modernization and mutual development,” Ambassador Yin stated.
He thanked Mr. Ji Kecheng, senior manager of Shandong Hi-Speed Group, and the construction team for their dedication to the project.
Liberia’s Defense Minister, Brigadier General Geraldine J. George, expressed appreciation for China’s support, emphasizing the critical role of healthcare in national security.
“This facility is not just a building; it represents a foundation for better healthcare services for our nation. It will improve medical treatment capabilities, address healthcare challenges, and contribute to national well-being,” she said.
Minister George highlighted China’s steadfast partnership with Liberia, noting the numerous contributions to the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Liberia through capacity-building initiatives and donations.
The National Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Laboratory Center is expected to significantly improve Liberia’s capacity for disease diagnosis, medical treatment, and emergency response. It will also serve as a vital resource in supporting Liberia’s healthcare system in combating public health threats.
As construction begins, stakeholders remain optimistic about the project’s potential to transform Liberia’s healthcare landscape, symbolizing a future of hope, resilience, and progress for the nation.
