Monrovia – The US-based indigenous Lofaian Group, Association of Gbandilanders in the Americas or AGLA with support from Word of Life International Inc., has boosted the medical effort of the Kolahun Health Center with the donation of a brand new ambulance through the Ministry of Health for use by the facility.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The donation was done Friday, April 3 at the Ministry of Health in Congo Town, outside Monrovia with the organization expressing commitment to doing more for their people back home in the areas of education and healthcare.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Johnny Ndebe, AGLA Deputy Country Representative, said the ambulance is a vital addition to the efforts of strengthening emergency response and save lives within the district.
According to him, it’s more than just the presentation of a vehicle; it represents hope, preparedness, and a renewed dedication to protecting the health and well-being of our people.
He indicated that the ambulance will play a critical role in ensuring that those in urgent need can receive prompt medical attention, especially during emergencies when every second counts.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to our Word of Life International Incorporated partners, stakeholders, and supporters whose contributions and collaboration made this possible. Your continued support is instrumental in advancing our mission,” Mr. Ndebe added as he craves that the donation serves as a symbol of collective responsibility to care for one another and to build a stronger, healthier community.
Presenting the keys and documents of the vehicle to MOH for onward turnover to the Kolahun Health Center, AGLA Country Representative, Ambassador Alonso Ngumbu, pointed out that the ‘life-saving’ donation is intended to enhance emergency at the hospital.
He said while health workers at the facility are doing their utmost best the challenge has been huge for patient care, especially in terms of emergency cases due to the lack of functioning ambulance to transport patients from remote towns and villages.
The only assigned ambulance at the facility already lived its usefulness and regularly experiencing breakdowns, commercial motorbikes have been the only means for transporting emergency cases to the facility; hence, Mr. Ngumbu says the newly donated ambulance will end that nightmare.
“There is an almost 10-year-old that is down right down. It’s being up and down, and whenever it is down, the only means of transporting patients is the commercial motorbikes. We see this as endangering the lives of our people so decided to step in,” said Amb. Ngumbu.
Receiving the ambulance donation on behalf of the government and people of Kolahun, Deputy Minister for Administration at MOH, Martha C. Morris, extolled AGLA for the gift.
She said this contribution will help reduce maternal and infant mortality across the Kolahun and adjacent districts of the county.
As part of the positive steps by the Ministry under the supervision of Minister Louise Kpoto, Madam Morris praised the administration for prioritizing medical infrastructure, including the development of new diagnostic centers to reduce the need for overseas travel.
She emphasized that these advancements are the result of strong collaboration between the health ministry and the legislative caucuses of various counties.
She then handed the keys over to the local hospital management with a plea to maintain the vehicle so it can serve the surrounding communities effectively.
In brief remarks, Representative Momo Siafa Kpoto of Lofa County Electoral District 2, extolled AGLA and WLI for the bringing relief at the hospital, something he said will go a long way in the life of the people.
Rep. Kpoto also vowed the Lofa County Legislative Caucus’ commitment to working with local health authorities and the MOH to enhance improved healthcare delivery in the county.
