By Christian Appleton
Harper, Maryland County – November 28, 2024
In a significant ceremony held at the Maryland County Health Team Conference Hall in Harper, Maryland County, Partners in Health Liberia (PIHL) officially handed over three highly skilled staff members to the Maryland County Health Team and JJ Dossen Memorial Hospital. The staff members—Henrietta Merriam Carpenter, Tresa T. Dalieh, and Johnet Tucker-Clarke—have completed master’s programs in critical care and neonatology at the University of Rwanda, where they studied for over two years, sponsored by PIHL.
The graduates, now experts in their respective fields, are poised to continue their work at JJ Dossen Memorial Hospital, contributing their advanced knowledge to improve healthcare services in the region. The handover event was a testament to the ongoing collaboration between PIHL, the county health team, and the hospital administration.
Dr. Sterman Toussaint, Director of Clinical Services at PIHL, expressed pride in the graduates’ achievements, acknowledging their dedication and the partnership that led to this success. “We are happy and proud to turn over these professionals to the county health team,” Dr. Toussaint said. “We initiated this collaboration and have reached this important milestone. We are confident they will continue to serve the population of Maryland County with their new skills.”
Dr. Toussaint also reflected on PIHL’s commitment to global health equity and social justice, emphasizing the organization’s Theory of Change. This strategy focuses on advancing healthcare access, particularly through quality training and education for healthcare workers. “Partners in Health Liberia wants to give advanced training to people so they can serve better, improving healthcare sustainability in the process,” Dr. Toussaint added.
The ceremony also included a call for further investment in Liberia’s healthcare system, particularly in the recognition of nurses, who often bear the brunt of the healthcare burden. “Nurses are the backbone of the health system, and we are working to ensure their value is recognized,” Dr. Toussaint remarked. He stressed the importance of continued support from the Ministry of Health in providing
better working conditions, salary updates, and professional growth opportunities for nurses across the country.
Dr. Bill Patrick Davis Jr., Medical Director of JJ Dossen Memorial Hospital, also spoke at the event, expressing his satisfaction with the hospital’s increasing focus on specialized care. “We are striving to meet the goal of universal health coverage, where all people have access to essential health services,” Dr. Davis said. “The knowledge and skills of our nurses are essential to achieving this, and we must support them to acquire the expertise needed for specialized care, particularly in critical and neonatal care.”
Dr. Davis also addressed the financial and moral support needed to retain specialized nurses in Liberia. He highlighted the importance of providing incentives and advocating for the continued professional development of nurses, noting that salary increases and better working conditions are critical to motivating healthcare workers.
Dr. Siedoh Freeman, Maryland County Health Officer, emphasized the importance of specialized training for nurses in improving Liberia’s healthcare system. “The doctor-patient ratio in Liberia is one to over twenty thousand, which is far from ideal. If more nurses specialize, the quality of care will improve significantly,” Dr. Freeman said. She also reiterated the need for leadership at both the central and county levels to create a conducive working environment for these specialized professionals.
On behalf of the graduates, Henrietta Merriam Carpenter expressed heartfelt gratitude to PIHL, JJ Dossen Memorial Hospital, and the Maryland County Health Team for their unwavering support during their studies. “We return as transformational leaders,” Carpenter said. “We are committed to advancing patient outcomes through innovative, evidence-based practices and advocating for a resilient healthcare system that meets emergency and critical care needs.”
Carpenter also pledged to work closely with colleagues, policymakers, and other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to patients. “We will support the growth of our profession, mentor our peers, and work to improve the healthcare system in Liberia,” she added.
This milestone highlights PIHL’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Liberia’s healthcare system through education, collaboration, and the empowerment of local healthcare workers. With these specialized nurses now back in the field, the future of healthcare in Maryland County looks brighter, and their leadership will undoubtedly contribute to improving patient care across the region.
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