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A new chapter in Liberia’s healthcare landscape was written today with the opening of the Ma Juah Health Center, a state-of-the-art facility in Barnersville, District #11, Montserrado County, which will serve over 5,000 residents.
The health center, valued at US$250,000, is the brainchild of Ambassador Charles Sleyon, a Liberian based in the United States, whose passion for healthcare transformation led him to invest in a project that promises to significantly improve access to medical care in the region.
Ambassador Charles Sleyon, who moved to the United States in 2009, returned to Liberia with a commitment to make a tangible impact on the country’s healthcare system. After founding the Ma-Juah Foundation in 2021 alongside his wife, Sleyon set out to tackle one of Liberia’s most pressing challenges: limited access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas.
“I initially wanted to build a home in my birthplace of New Kru Town,” Sleyon shared, reflecting on his journey. “But when I encountered a pregnant woman who struggled to get proper healthcare in the area, I realized that the lack of accessible healthcare was a much larger problem that needed urgent attention.”
Moved by the plight of the pregnant woman and others in similar circumstances, Sleyon shifted his focus to creating a solution that could have a far-reaching impact. His vision led to the development of a 15-bed clinic in Barnersville, a significant first step in a broader mission to establish a 100-bed hospital in New Kru Town, slated to open next week.
The newly inaugurated Ma Juah Health Center is equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including a modern laboratory, making it a key resource for residents in the area. The clinic offers a range of services, including general consultations, laboratory tests, emergency care, and more.
Sleyon emphasized that the center was built with affordability in mind. “Our prices are among the lowest in the area because we believe healthcare should be accessible to everyone,” he said during the opening ceremony.
The clinic’s medical staff consists of highly trained professionals who have undergone rigorous evaluations to ensure the highest standards of care. “We’ve handpicked the best to serve our community,” Sleyon added. “We want to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or financial status, receives top-quality care.”
One of the clinic’s most innovative initiatives is the implementation of an exchange program, which will bring retired and active U.S.-based doctors to Liberia for specialized medical missions. This program aims to enhance the quality of care provided by introducing expertise and new perspectives to the country’s healthcare system.
While healthcare is at the forefront of the Ma-Juah Foundation’s mission, its efforts extend to other vital areas, including education and social welfare. The foundation operates a vocational school in the Soul Clinic community, which serves over 100 students, offering practical skills and some of the region’s lowest fees. This initiative helps young people gain essential skills that will serve them well in the job market.
In addition to the vocational school, the foundation has awarded scholarships to nearly 300 students across various educational levels, ensuring that the next generation has access to quality education, regardless of their financial background.
The Ma-Juah Foundation also runs a program that provides quarterly financial assistance to widows. “Each quarter, we select 30 widows to receive $300, along with education on how to manage the funds,” explained Sleyon. “It’s not just about giving money; it’s about teaching them how to use it sustainably for their families.”
Further, the foundation is planning to launch an agro-food and nutrition program that will target rural communities along Liberia’s highways, addressing the nutritional needs of people living in remote areas.
The Ma Juah Health Center is part of Sleyon’s larger vision for Liberia, which includes a comprehensive approach to healthcare, education, and rural development.
Mrs. Korto Pewu, the center’s Chief Medical Officer, expressed her deep gratitude to the staff and the community for their efforts in making the health center a reality. “We are here to make a difference, regardless of affiliation or status,” she said, addressing a gathering during the launch. “Our mission is to serve everyone.”
Mrs. Pewu also outlined the wide range of services that the Ma Juah Health Center now provides, including triage for initial patient assessments, consultations, lab tests, emergency care, and home visits for patients who cannot travel to the facility. “Our emergency room is fully equipped to handle urgent cases, and our doctors are always on call,” she said. “We are committed to delivering the highest standard of healthcare from triage to the cleaning staff.”
Additionally, the health center offers diagnostic services, such as ultrasounds and EKGs, and provides consistent follow-up care to ensure the well-being of patients over time.
“We aim to provide not only immediate care but also long-term support for those who need it most,” Mrs. Pewu added.
As the Ma Juah Health Center opens its doors to the public, it symbolizes a turning point in the way healthcare is delivered in Liberia. For Ambassador Sleyon, it’s about more than just building a facility; it’s about building a community. “We are here to make a difference, to improve lives, and to create a better future for our people,” he declared. “Seventy-five percent of our profits go to charity. This is about giving back and creating opportunities for our people.”
The Ma-Juah Foundation’s work continues to be a beacon of hope, not only for those directly benefiting from the new health center but also for the broader Liberian population. As Sleyon said, “Together, we can create a future where everyone has access to healthcare, education, and opportunities to thrive.”
