By Stephen G. Fellajuah
PAYNESVILLE, Liberia, August 5, 2026 – Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Yin Chengwu has reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s efforts to build an equitable, accessible, and sustainable healthcare system through continued investment in infrastructure, medical assistance, and human resource development.
Speaking Tuesday at the opening of the 2026 National Health Review Conference at Paynesville City Hall, Ambassador Yin said China remains a steadfast partner in Liberia’s healthcare development and will continue to support the country’s pursuit of universal health coverage.
The conference, held under the theme, “Introducing Universal Health Insurance in Liberia: Financing Quality Maternal and Newborn Care for All,” brought together senior government officials, lawmakers, representatives of international organizations, development partners, and county health officers to discuss strategies for expanding access to quality healthcare.
Ambassador Yin described the conference theme as addressing one of Liberia’s most pressing development priorities, stressing that quality maternal and newborn healthcare is fundamental to achieving universal health coverage.
“Equitable access to quality healthcare lies at the heart of universal health coverage. China shares this vision,” he said.
Highlighting China’s longstanding partnership with Liberia, the ambassador pointed to several major health sector investments, including the construction of the Jackson F. Doe Memorial Regional Referral Hospital, widely known as the China-Liberia Friendship Hospital, which he described as a symbol of the enduring relationship between the two countries.
He also cited China’s support for the construction and renovation of the Ministry of Health headquarters, the establishment of an Ebola Treatment Center during Liberia’s Ebola epidemic, and the ongoing construction of the National Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Laboratory, which is expected to be completed and handed over in the near future.
Yin said China has continued to provide medical equipment and supplies to Liberia’s health sector, including a recent donation to the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Medical Center.
He further highlighted the China-supported “Enhancing Child Nutrition in Liberia’s First 1,000 Days Through Health and Nutrition Services“ project, saying it is expected to improve maternal and child health outcomes across the country.
According to the ambassador, another milestone in bilateral health cooperation was the establishment of the cardiology department at JFK Medical Center in 2025 under the China-Liberia Paired Hospital Cooperation Mechanism, giving Liberia its first dedicated cardiology unit.
Beyond infrastructure and equipment, Yin emphasized the importance of strengthening Liberia’s healthcare workforce, describing skilled health professionals as essential to building a resilient and sustainable health system.
“Since 1984, 18 batches of Chinese medical teams have served in Liberia, working side by side with Liberian health professionals and demonstrating professionalism, dedication, and compassion,” he said.
He added that since 2024, China has trained 112 Liberian health professionals in clinical practice, hospital management, and public health through various capacity-building programs.
Yin expressed confidence that continued cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two countries would further strengthen Liberia’s healthcare system and improve access to quality health services.
He said Liberia’s efforts to establish universal health insurance are consistent with China’s vision of building a global community of health for all and pledged Beijing’s continued support for the country’s healthcare reforms.
