Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph N. Boakai broke ground for the nation’s first freestanding radiotherapy center at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, marking a step toward improving cancer treatment and other ailments in Liberia. The project is supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under its Rays of Hope initiative, which seeks to expand global access to radiotherapy.
President Boakai, who spoke during the ceremony, called the event “a transformative occasion” in the effort to improve healthcare for the citizens and to strengthen international cooperation. With a special focus on health and well-being, he said, the initiative is an essential investment under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
The Radiotherapy Center is a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare system, according to Minister of Health Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, who gave the project overview. She highlighted the center’s potential to lower cancer-related mortality and the financial burden of obtaining expensive treatments overseas, as well as how it fits with Liberia’s national health policy.
Minister Kpoto stated, “This center will serve as a hub for research, training, and capacity development in addition to providing life-saving radiotherapy treatment. It demonstrates the government’s steadfast dedication to improving specialized healthcare services.”
“Today, as we break ground for this landmark facility, I am overwhelmed with joy. One public health emergency that is becoming worse is cancer. More than 70% of new diagnoses in Liberia are for malignancies of the prostate, liver, breast, and cervical areas. Many have been compelled to seek treatment overseas due to a dearth of local choices for radiation, sometimes at significant financial and personal expense. That story will be changed by this center,” the health minister remarked.
Minister Kpoto acknowledged President Boakai’s leadership in placing healthcare at the top of his national development agenda and gave special appreciation to Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi and the IAEA team for their financial and technical assistance.
JFK CEO Dr. Linda A. Birch called the facility a vital intervention for Liberia’s healthcare system. “In addition to saving lives, this radiotherapy center will help cancer patients nationwide achieve better results. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Government of Liberia and the IAEA for realizing this vision,” Dr. Birch stated.
President Boakai and Director General Grossi conducted the ceremonial turning of the soil to mark the formal beginning of construction. It is anticipated that the Radiotherapy Center would significantly impact Liberia’s battle against cancer by lowering mortality, enhancing national capabilities, and giving thousands of families hope again.
