Liberian authorities have lauded China for being steadfast to Liberians’ developmental journey in various government sectors.
By Lincoln G. Peters
Monrovia, December 23, 2024: The People’s Republic of China has begun accelerating the implementation of a developmental agenda in Liberia under President Joseph Nyuma Boaka’s administration.
The enhanced China-aid development initiatives come amid strengthening diplomatic relations between the Republic of Liberia and the People’s Republic of China.
Over the weekend, Liberia and China broke ground for the construction of a National Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Laboratory at the 14th Military Hospital.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on December 20, 2024, on the grounds of the 14th Medical Hospital in Lower Margibi County.
The ceremony brought together government officials and the diplomatic community.
The project, when concluded, will serve Liberia and further position the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) as a force for good in its civil-military collaboration strategies.
It will also support the efforts of the Ministry of Health as a leading institution for the provision of health care services across Liberia.
Also, the Laboratory will support the National Public Health Institute of Liberia ( NPHIL) in the preparation, detection, and response to compound-affected diseases.
This initiative is a symbol of the two countries’ shared vision, enduring friendship, and fruitful cooperation.
Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Yin Chengwu broke grounds for the project.
The project results from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Liberia and China on March 6, 2018.
Following this commitment, a technical working group was founded to consider detailed design for the project.
The technical working group comprised the Ministry of Defense, the Civil Work Department, the Armed Forces of Liberia Engineering and Medical Department, and the Ministry of Health Infrastructure Department.
The main project focused exclusively on laboratory activities.
Due to a need for expansion at the 14th Military Hospital, a request was forwarded to the Chinese Government for additional departments to strengthen the clinical capabilities.
On September 17, 2019, a Chinese Ministry of Health delegation visited Liberia to discuss the project’s feasibility.
The Government of Liberia and the Liberian technical working group reminded the Chinese delegation about the adjustment.
After further justification, their requests were made with an intensive care unit, an operating center, and a computerized thermography (CT) scan.
In a special remark, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Yin Chengwu expressed gratitude to Mr. JI Kecheng, senior manager of Shandong Hi-Speed Group, and his entourage from China.
He also expressed gratitude to the construction team on the ground and their capable Liberian counterparts.
“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,” said Mr. Yin.
“As I see, the project is meaningful. First, the project demonstrates China’s strong determination to implement the outcomes of the meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Boakai during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC),” he stated.
According to Ambassador Yin, it is the first groundbreaking facility of China-Aid projects following the meeting, showcasing the elevation of their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership announced by the two heads of state.
He added that the project serves as a symbol of a common commitment to mutual development and cooperation.
He detailed it embodies the vision set forth during the Summit, that is “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a Community with a Shared Future.
Officially breaking ground for the construction, Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai said the groundbreaking ceremony of the National Clinical Diagnosis & Laboratory is a significant milestone in the preparation of Liberia’s health care and infrastructure.
According to President Boakai, they are present to support the betterment of Liberians’ social and the economy’s critical needs.
He also spoke of leading the groundbreaking for Liberians’ future national clinical diagnosis & laboratory.
President Boakai described it as a remarkable project by the Chinese government.
He continued that China and Liberia have been friends for a long time in partnership of development.
According to President Boakai, it’s a testament to a true commitment to improving the health and well-being of Liberia.
President Boakai also appreciated the government of China and a development partner, China-Aid, for their high support for Liberia’s infrastructure growth across the country.
Meanwhile, Liberia’s Defense Minister, Brig. General Geraldine J. George also embraced the huge development project by the Chinese government through China Aid.
According to her, the driving partnership between Liberia and China has been instrumental in driving Liberia’s development forward.
She stated that China has been steadfast in the Liberians’ developmental journey in various sectors of government.
Gen. George indicated that the Ministry of Defense has benefited from the partnership by receiving a lot of donations for capacity-building initiatives in the Defense Ministry and the Armed Forces of Liberia.
Minister George stressed that the contribution by China has enhanced the Ministry’s capabilities and preparedness to serve and protect the Liberian nation better.
In addition, she emphasized that the establishment of the health care facility is a groundbreaking achievement that helps the Liberian health care system.
She added that the facility will enhance treatment capability to hard medical services, and it will play a vital role in Liberia’s healthcare challenges, improving patient outcomes and contributing to overall health and prosperity.
“We are not laying the foundation for a building, we are laying a foundation for better health care for our nation,” she said.
