Pynesville—The construction of a new maternity facility in Duport Road was commenced on Thursday, June 18, 2026, by the Government of Liberia and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In one of Greater Monrovia’s fastest-growing regions, this important humanitarian project seeks to improve maternity and newborn healthcare. The more than 100-bed hospital, which is jointly funded by the LDS Church and the Ministry of Health, will have laboratories, operating rooms, delivery rooms, and a neonatal critical care unit.
The project will include an expansion of the Duport Road Health Center, which now serves tens of thousands of residents and records over 200 deliveries per month. The commencement of the Strengthening Families Conference 2026, the church’s yearly interfaith event, which starts on Friday at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, is preceded by the groundbreaking ceremony.
First Lady Kartumu Y. Boakai, who spoke at the ceremony in Paynesville, called the project an investment in Liberia’s future and said it was motivated by her visit to the dilapidated Duport Road clinic close to her old neighborhood. According to her, what formerly stood for hope is now evolving into a sign of change. Genuine faith offers. Sincere trust grows. Sincere faith changes. Our country’s future is strengthened when we invest in maternal healthcare.
Liberia’s First Lady Kartumu Y. Boakai
Liberia still has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the world, and delays in receiving medical care are a major factor in avoidable fatalities. According to health experts, the new hospital is anticipated to decrease referrals to Redemption Hospital and John F. Kennedy Medical Center, both of which are regularly overburdened by patient demand.
The project is one of the most significant projects of Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto’s tenure. She stated, “This Duport Road Maternal Center should be the one project that I could finish before my tenure is over,” pointing out that it is in line with the Ministry of Health’s initiatives to lower maternal and newborn fatalities.
Liberia Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto’
Senior Presidential Advisor Prof. Dr. Augustine Konneh, speaking on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, praised the church for what he called a true relationship with Liberia and defined mother-and-newborn healthcare as a moral obligation and a governance need.
According to Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Africa West Area Presidency and General Authority Seventy, the project demonstrates the Church’s dedication to humanitarian work. He stated, “Today we break ground, but more importantly, we plant hope.” Having access to high-quality healthcare is essential for advancement and dignity, not a luxury.
Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Africa West Area Presidency and General Authority Seventy
The church is funding eight projects in Liberia, including one hospital, three clinics, and four schools, according to Bong County District Two Representative James Kolleh. Additionally, churchgoers in Liberia gave about US$100,000 to the building of the maternity center, according to Montserrado County Superintendent Rory Bryant.
The Inter-Religious Council of Liberia has approved the Strengthening Families Conference, stating that its analysis revealed that the event is centered on social development, family values, health, and culture rather than any particular religion. The conference is being held in Liberia for the first time. Previous events were hosted in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire; the 2025 edition was held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
