By Naneka A. Hoffman
Monrovia, Liberia, March 4, 2025—In a significant advancement for Liberia’s health sector, the Government of Liberia, in collaboration with key health sector development partners, including the Global Fund (GF), has commissioned and handed over several Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants.
The facilities, located in Lofa, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, and Grand Kru counties, were constructed to bolster the nation’s health infrastructure and address critical health emergencies.
During the ceremonial handover, held at the Jackson F. Doe Memorial Referral Hospital in Tapeta City, Nimba County, Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Minister of Health, Doctor Catherine T. Cooper, represented the Minister of Health, Doctor Louis Kpoto.
Doctor Cooper officially inaugurated the facilities by cutting the ribbon, joined by Mr. Mannase Kassi, Fund Portfolio Manager for Global Fund, and Ms. Joyce L. Kilikpo, Chair of the Liberia Coordinating Mechanism (LCM).
She then toured the newly established plants and other medical infrastructure at the hospital, underscoring their importance.
She praised the Global Fund for its crucial support in addressing significant gaps in Liberia’s healthcare delivery system and enhancing the production and supply of life-saving oxygen to hospitals nationwide.
The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Health, recognizes substantial contributions from Global Fund and other health partners, which have been vital in achieving critical health outcomes.
The collaboration is aimed at fostering sustainable healthcare solutions for the Liberian population.
As Liberia continues to fortify its healthcare infrastructure, the PSA Oxygen Plants symbolize hope and progress, reinforcing the country’s capability to safeguard the health and well-being of its citizens. By investing in essential medical facilities, the government is ensuring that patients have access to necessary care, especially during emergencies.
The facilities are now operational, supplying medical-grade oxygen to hospitals both regionally and across the nation. Their construction involved a cooperative effort from various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Government of Liberia, the Global Fund Emergency Response, Plan International Liberia (serving as Principal Recipient), and local county administrators.
The initiative represents a noteworthy milestone in Liberia’s health sector, highlighting the nation’s dedication to enhancing its resilience against health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other respiratory diseases.
The event concluded with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by a range of key health sector partners and stakeholders, among them the Global Fund Liberia Country Team, the Liberia Coordinating Mechanism (LCM), Local Fund Agent (LFA), Plan International Liberia, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and the Nimba County Health Team, among others. Editing by Jonathan Browne
