China Highlights Four Decades of Health Support to Liberia | News

China has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to strengthening Liberia’s healthcare system, highlighting more than four decades of investment in hospitals, medical infrastructure, equipment, training and emergency response as Liberia advances an ambitious agenda to introduce Universal Health Insurance.

Speaking at the 2026 National Health Review Conference, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Yin Chengwu said China remains firmly committed to supporting Liberia’s efforts to build an equitable, accessible and sustainable healthcare system capable of delivering quality health services to every citizen.

The conference, held under the theme, “Introducing Universal Health Insurance in Liberia: Financing Quality Maternal and Newborn Care for All,” brought together senior government officials, legislators, international development partners, county health authorities and health professionals to assess progress and chart the future direction of Liberia’s health sector.

Addressing participants, Ambassador Yin described the conference theme as one of Liberia’s most important national development priorities, emphasizing that improving maternal and newborn healthcare is essential to achieving universal health coverage.

“It is a great pleasure and honor to join you at the 2026 National Health Review Conference,” Ambassador Yin said.

“On behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Liberia, I extend my warmest congratulations on the opening of this important conference and pay tribute to all those who have dedicated themselves to advancing Liberia’s public health sector.”

The Ambassador said healthy mothers and healthy newborns form the foundation of every prosperous nation.

“The theme of this year’s conference—’Introducing Universal Health Insurance in Liberia: Financing Quality Maternal and Newborn Care for All’—addresses one of the country’s most important development priorities,” he noted.

“Healthy mothers and healthy newborns are the foundation of a healthy nation, while equitable access to quality healthcare lies at the heart of universal health coverage.”

According to Ambassador Yin, China’s partnership with Liberia has consistently focused on helping strengthen the country’s healthcare delivery system through practical investments rather than rhetoric.

“China shares this vision,” he declared.

“Over the years, we have worked closely with Liberia to support the development of a more equitable, accessible and sustainable healthcare system.”

He said the enduring partnership between the two countries can be seen in three major areas: health infrastructure, medical assistance, and human resource development.

Highlighting China’s infrastructure support, Ambassador Yin pointed to several landmark projects that have transformed Liberia’s health sector.

“China built the Jackson F. Doe Memorial Regional Referral Hospital, widely known as the China-Liberia Friendship Hospital, which has become a landmark of our practical cooperation,” he said.

He noted that China also constructed the Ministry of Health headquarters and later renovated the facility, further strengthening Liberia’s institutional capacity.

During the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic, Ambassador Yin recalled that China responded rapidly by constructing an Ebola Treatment Center to support Liberia’s emergency health response.

Today, he disclosed, another flagship project is nearing completion.

“We are constructing the National Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Laboratory, which is expected to be completed and handed over shortly,” he announced.

Beyond buildings, Ambassador Yin said China continues to provide critical medical equipment and supplies tailored to Liberia’s healthcare priorities.

“Last month, China donated a batch of medical supplies to JFK Hospital,” he revealed.

He also highlighted the launch of the ‘Enhancing Child Nutrition in Liberia’s First 1,000 Days Through Health and Nutrition Services’ project, describing it as an important intervention aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes.

“The project will improve the living environment and the physical and mental health of Liberians,” he said.

Another milestone in bilateral cooperation, according to Ambassador Yin, was the establishment of Liberia’s first dedicated cardiology department at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center.

“In 2025, the cardiology department established in JFK under the China-Liberia Paired Hospital Cooperation Mechanism was officially inaugurated,” he said.

“As Liberia’s first dedicated cardiology unit, it brings new hope to patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases.”

Ambassador Yin stressed that sustainable healthcare cannot be achieved through infrastructure alone but requires continuous investment in human capital.

“We believe that sustainable healthcare depends not only on modern facilities and equipment, but also on skilled health professionals,” he emphasized.

Tracing the history of China’s medical cooperation with Liberia, he noted that Chinese medical teams have served the country continuously for more than four decades.

“Since 1984, eighteen batches of Chinese medical teams have arrived in Liberia in succession.”

“They have worked side by side with their Liberian colleagues and have demonstrated professionalism, dedication and compassion.”

The Ambassador also disclosed that China has intensified its support for professional training.

“Since 2024, 112 Liberian health professionals have participated in training programmes in China covering clinical practice, hospital management and public health.”

“We are confident that these exchanges will continue to strengthen local capacity and contribute to the long-term development of Liberia’s health sector.”

As Liberia prepares to introduce Universal Health Insurance, Ambassador Yin said China fully supports the country’s reform agenda.

“Liberia is now taking important steps towards Universal Health Insurance.”

“This vision resonates strongly with China’s commitment to building a global community of health for all.”

However, he cautioned that achieving universal health coverage requires more than financial resources.

“We recognize that achieving universal health coverage requires sound policies, sustainable financing, capable health workers and resilient institutions,” Ambassador Yin said.

He reaffirmed China’s readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation across all aspects of healthcare.

“China remains committed to working hand in hand with Liberia to deepen our strategic partnership and deliver greater benefits to our two peoples.”