MONROVIA – The United States government has donated a consignment of essential medical supplies and equipment to the Kakata Health Center in Margibi County to ensure the smooth provision of effective and efficient surgical and in-patient services at the facility.
The items donated include: operating table, Anesthesia machine, operation room light, several auto claves, surgical beds, stretchers, and cesarean section sets.
The items were donated by the American government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Making the presentation at the health facility in Kakata on Thursday, February 17, USAID/Liberia Mission Director, Jim Wright pointed out that the gesture was made possible as a result of the “marked increase” in cases at the Kakata Health Center, following the fire incident at the C. H. Rennie Hospital.
It can be recalled that the C. H. Rennie Hospital, which is the only referral hospital in Margibi, was gutted by fire on August 15, 2021.
Though there was no human casualty reported, the fire destroyed the hospital’s Operation, Records and Emergency Rooms, among others.
The cause of the fire was attributed to electrical shock.
Following the incident, the Kakata Health Center became the newest referral hospital in the county, prompting the influx of patients at the facility on a daily basis.
The facility was reconditioned by the Liberian government as a result of the incident.
Mr. Wright pointed out that the provision of the equipment was also part of the US government’s efforts to reduce the high rate of maternal and newborn death burden in Liberia.
He pointed out that the latest gesture to the health sector in Margibi, brings to two the number of time the US government has identified with the government and locals in recent times.
He recalled that following the fire incident at the C. H. Rennie hospital, the USAID donated infection prevention and control essential supplies to the Kakata Health Center and other public health facilities in Margibi.
“Additionally, the USAID funded the repair of the ambulances and provided six-month worth of fuel and maintenance support for the ambulances”.
Mr. Wright further pointed out that the US government, through USAID, is currently helping the Margibi County Health Team respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He disclosed that in the coming months, his group will also provide the county with support to increase COVID-19 vaccination coordination, with the goal of increasing the number of people taking the vaccine.
“USAID’s development strategy for Liberia recognizes that a healthy population is essential for Liberia’s development”.
Mr. Wright, however, reaffirmed the US government’s commitment towards helping Liberia provides all of its people access to quality healthcare.
He paid homage to deceased Mrs. Nancy Moses, who previously led the maternal and child health intervention in Margibi, Bong and Nimba counties.
“It is because of her hard work and dedication that we can do this handover today”.
Receiving the items, Liberia’s Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah termed the gesture as a “blessing” to the government and people of the Margibi.
She noted that the Kakata Medical Center was in a “discouraging condition” when patients were transferred there from the destroyed C. H. Rennie.
She used the occasion to commend President George Manneh Weah for helping to ensure that the facility was renovated in a timely and effective manner.
“We want to thank USAID and the United States government for the continuous support to the health sector in providing all of these supplies necessary to begin work”.
Minister Jallah also recounted the efforts and roles applied by the local health authorities and the county’s legislative caucus to ensure that the facility was conducive and ready to treat patients.
She called on healthcare workers to guarantee the maintenance of the equipment and supplies donated by USAID.
“Maintenance at the work place is very important and so; all of the people working have to be on board. When something breaks, don’t just leave it; call somebody to help you to make sure that it continues to work. When you see dirt somewhere, clean it-don’t wait for somebody else”.
Minister Jallah stressed the need for local health authorities to also institute plans and strategies to ensure the full functioning of the ambulance service at the facility after the expiration of USAID six months’ support.
Earlier on, Margibi County Superintendent Jerry Varnie lauded the efforts being applied by healthcare workers towards attaining adequate healthcare delivery in the county.
He assured that the items donated will be used for the purpose intended as the team at the facility are “up to the task and very hardworking”.
He commended the US government and its citizens for always coming to the rescue of Liberia in times of need.
Following the fire incident at the C. H. Rennie hospital, patients who needed surgical operations were compelled to be transported medical facilities in neighboring counties including Montserrado, Bong and Nimba.
But with the latest donation made by USAID, surgical operations will very shortly commence at the Kakata Health Center in Margibi.
A passionate plea was made by the hospital authorities for the US government to see reason to provide a standby generator for its surgical operations.
The hospital only source of power currently is the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), which is not stable.