Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is to officially open two hospital wings constructed and supported by Merlin.
Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf will cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony for the new outpatients department and radiological unit at the Liberian Government Hospital in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, on Saturday 29 April.
The £60,000 project, funded by Jersey Overseas Aid and ECHO (European Commission), will mean improved facilities for approximately 5,000 patients every month.
The outpatients department, formerly located within the main hospital building, has expanded significantly and now has eight consultation rooms, separate areas for vaccinations and growth monitoring of children, as well as a laboratory and a dispensary.
In addition, the move from the main building will free up much needed space for the existing inpatient wards.
Hospital Administrator Stephen B Wannah Sr said: “This is the only hospital serving more than 520,000 people in three counties. Until now, we have not had sufficient capacity in terms of space. Now, with the new outpatients department, there will be more rooms for inpatients in the main building, as well as more consultation rooms for emergency cases and outpatients.
“The new radiological unit will also be much appreciated in that we will no longer have to send patients to other hospitals for x-rays. We are very grateful to Merlin for implementing this project, and to Jersey Overseas Aid and ECHO for providing the funds.”
Sophia Craig-Massey, Merlin’s Country Director in Liberia, said: “Merlin is delighted and honoured to welcome President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to the opening ceremony. These new extensions will undoubtedly help to improve the quality of patient care at this busy hospital. Merlin will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health to help rebuild and strengthen a health system that has been devastated by 14 years of war.”
Merlin has been supporting the Liberian Government Hospital since 2003, providing staff, medical supplies, equipment, training and supervision. Merlin is also supporting 20 rural clinics in Grand Bassa and Grand Gedeh counties, and one hospital in Harper, Maryland County.
Merlin began its operations in Liberia in 1997 and was one of the few aid agencies that remained in the country during the conflict in 2003.