The Government of Liberia, in partnership with the Global Fund (GF) and other health sector development partners, officially commissioned and handed over newly constructed Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plants in four counties:
These counties are : Lofa, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, and Grand Kru.
The commissioning ceremony took place on February 27, at the Jackson F. Doe Memorial Referral Hospital in Tappita City, Nimba County.
The establishment of these oxygen plants marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s health sector, ensuring the availability of medical-grade oxygen to hospitals across the nation.
This initiative is the result of a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Government of Liberia, the Global Fund Emergency Response, Plan International Liberia (as Principal Recipient), and county administrators.
The commissioning event featured a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by key health sector partners and stakeholders, including representatives from the Global Fund Liberia Country Team, the Liberia Coordinating Mechanism (LCM), the Local Fund Agent (LFA), Plan International Liberia, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and the Nimba County Health Team (CHT).
The chief Medical Officer and Deputy Minister of Health, Catherine T. Cooper, who represented Minister Louis Kpoto, officially cut the ribbon to inaugurate the facilities.
She was joined by Mannase Kassi, Fund Portfolio Manager for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GFATM), and Ms. Joyce L. Kilikpo, LCM Chair.
Following the ceremony, Cooper toured the newly commissioned plants and other infrastructure at the Jackson F. Doe Memorial Referral Hospital.
She expressed deep appreciation for the support provided by the Global Fund, emphasizing that the initiative directly addresses critical gaps in Liberia’s healthcare system.
“The commissioning of these PSA Oxygen Plants represents a major step forward in improving our health sector’s emergency response capabilities,” Dr. Cooper stated.
She said,“ Medical oxygen is essential for saving lives, particularly in the treatment of respiratory illnesses, neonatal care, and critical surgeries. With these plants now operational, hospitals across Liberia will have reliable access to oxygen, reducing dependency on external suppliers and improving patient care outcomes.”
Liberia’s health sector faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including shortages of oxygen for critically ill patients.
The establishment of these oxygen plants ensures that the country is better equipped to respond to future health emergencies, including outbreaks of respiratory diseases and other medical crises.
The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with partners like the Global Fund and Plan International Liberia to sustain and expand critical healthcare infrastructure.
The newly commissioned facilities will help mitigate preventable deaths, enhance surgical and intensive care capabilities, and provide life-saving oxygen to vulnerable populations, including newborns and patients with severe illnesses.
The Government of Liberia acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the Global Fund and its partners in advancing sustainable healthcare solutions.
The commissioning of these PSA Oxygen Plants is not just an infrastructure development—it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and progress for Liberia’s healthcare system.
By investing in essential medical resources and infrastructure, Liberia is taking decisive steps to ensure that no patient is deprived of access to life-saving treatment.