UNDP Donates Seven Ambulances To Ministry Of Health

By Catherine K Conteh

MONROVIA, June 15 (LINA) – In an important gesture of support for Liberia's healthcare system, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has donated Seven (7) ambulances to the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Speaking at the handing over ceremony which was followed virtually by the Liberia News Agency Friday, June 14, at the Ministry of Health Compound in Congo Town, UNDP Liberia Resident Representative, Mr. Louis Kuukpen, emphasized the importance of the donation in reaching remote and hard to access areas.

"These ambulances align with the Accelerated Community Development Programme (ACDP) vision to address the needs of vulnerable rural populations," he stated, affirming UNDP’s ongoing commitment to collaborating with the Ministry to tackle health challenges in these regions.

According to him, the ambulances, procured under the ACDP, will serve communities in Bomi, Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Nimba, River Cess, and River Gee counties.

For her part, Liberia's Health Minister, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, expressed profound gratitude for the donation and underscored the government's commitment to transparency and accountability in utilizing donor funds.

"Since we took office, we have ensured transparency and accountability for every donor's contribution. These ambulances will significantly enhance our logistical capabilities in delivering quality healthcare services," Dr. Kpoto assured.

Dr. Kpoto further reiterated the government's zero tolerance policy towards corruption under President Joseph N. Boakai's leadership.

"We are dedicated to executing the President's health agenda fully. These ambulances will be distributed to the designated counties and will be closely monitored to ensure they serve their intended purposes," she added.

The ceremony was attended by key government officials, including Deputy Minister for Economic Management at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Dehpue Zou, and Deputy Minister for Urban Affairs at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Hon. Ellen O. Pratt.

Both officials, in separate remarks, lauded UNDP's substantial contribution, which they believe will help ease the government's budgetary constraints and reinforce decentralized development efforts.

The donation streaks another milestone in the UNDP ongoing support for Liberia's health sector.

It can be recalled that in 2016, with support from the UN Peace Building Fund, UNDP trained two Liberian Doctors as Pathologists in Ghana through a three-year program, and they are currently operating the functional forensic laboratory at the JFK Medical Center in Liberia.