Monrovia, Liberia – Ambassador Charles Sleyon, a Liberian residing in the United States since 2009, has returned to his homeland with a vision to make a meaningful impact. Together with his wife, he established the Ma-Juah Foundation in 2021, an organization committed to promoting healthcare, education, and social welfare in Liberia.
During the launch of several new initiatives, Ambassador Sleyon shared his inspiration for creating the foundation. Initially planning to build a home in his birthplace of New Kru Town, he encountered a pregnant woman who highlighted the lack of accessible healthcare in the area. Moved by her plight and the broader healthcare challenges faced by many, he shifted his focus to building a 100-bed hospital. The hospital is set to open officially next Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in his humanitarian efforts.
In Barnesville, the Ma-Juah Foundation is inaugurated the 15-bed clinic equipped with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Ambassador Sleyon emphasized that the clinic is designed to provide affordable and efficient healthcare services. “Our prices are among the lowest in the area because we believe healthcare should be accessible to everyone,” he stated.
The clinic’s staff includes highly trained medical professionals who underwent rigorous evaluations to ensure quality care. Additionally, the foundation is implementing an exchange program to bring retired and practicing doctors from the United States to Liberia for specialized medical missions.
The Ma-Juah Foundation is also making strides in education through a vocational school in the Soul Clinic community, which currently enrolls over 100 students. The school focuses on empowering students with practical skills while maintaining some of the lowest fees in the region.
Furthering its educational mission, the foundation has awarded scholarships to nearly 300 students, ranging from elementary to university levels. The foundation provides financial support to widows through quarterly programs that combine financial aid with education in money management. Thirty widows are selected quarterly to receive $300 each, along with follow-up checks to ensure sustainable use of the funds.
To address the needs of rural communities, the foundation plans to launch an agro-food and nutrition program along Liberia’s highways. It also aims to introduce home care services, where nurses visit patients unable to travel to healthcare facilities, ensuring consistent medical attention for elderly and immobile individuals.
Ambassador Sleyon emphasized that his efforts are purely humanitarian, with no political motives. “Seventy-five percent of our profits go to charity. This is about giving back and creating opportunities for our people,” he said.
With a focus on empowering young people, fostering partnerships, and decentralizing services, the Ma-Juah Foundation continues to be a beacon of hope in Liberia. As Ambassador Sleyon put it, “We are here to make a difference, to improve lives, and to create a better future for our communities.”
The Chief Medical Officer, Mrs. Korto Pewu, has expressed gratitude to the staff and community for their dedication and support in ensuring the smooth operations of the newly established Ma Juah Health Center. Addressing a gathering, she thanked the technicians, staff, and community members for their patience and efforts in making the health center a reality.
“We are here to make a difference, regardless of affiliation or status. Our mission is to serve everyone,” she emphasized. Mrs. Pewu outlined the services provided by the center, beginning with triage for initial patient assessment, followed by the Outpatient Department (OPD) for consultations, lab tests, and follow-up treatments. The facility also features an emergency room equipped to handle urgent cases.
The health center offers additional services, including home visits, lab diagnostics, ultrasounds, EKGs, and around-the-clock medical support with doctors on call. “We are committed to delivering the best healthcare practices, from triage to cleaning staff, to ensure that patients receive the highest standard of care,” she added.
The Ma Juah Health Center is now open and welcomes all community members seeking quality healthcare.
Reported by: Simeon S. Wiakanty
Contact: +231881538878
