Monrovia, Liberia — The Government of the People’s Republic of China has donated essential medicines and medical equipment valued at approximately US$42,693.50 to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFKMC), reaffirming its longstanding commitment to strengthening Liberia’s healthcare system.
The donation, made through the Chinese Medical Team to Liberia, includes medicines worth 220,142 Chinese Yuan (about US$32,358.30) and medical equipment valued at 70,317.5 Chinese Yuan (approximately US$10,335.20).
According to officials, the supplies will enhance the Medical Center’s capacity to provide quality cardiac care, replenish critical medical stocks, and reduce the financial burden on patients receiving treatment in the Cardiac Ward. The donation will also benefit elective patients and others seeking specialized cardiac services at JFK Medical Center.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Yin Chengwu said the donation comprises medicines and equipment for the prevention and treatment of infectious and chronic diseases, as well as other essential clinical supplies.
He noted that the assistance is intended to strengthen JFK Medical Center’s ability to deliver quality healthcare by addressing shortages of critical medicines and improving access to specialized medical services.
Ambassador Yin emphasized that health cooperation has remained a key pillar of China-Liberia relations since the establishment of the Chinese Medical Team Program in 1984. He said successive Chinese medical teams have provided clinical services, professional training, and epidemic prevention support to Liberia over the years.
The Ambassador also highlighted recent cooperation between the two countries, including the China-Liberia Seminar on Public Health and Health Standardization, through which 38 Liberian healthcare professionals received specialized training in China.
He further recalled the close collaboration between China and Liberia during the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks, reaffirming China’s commitment to expanding cooperation in the country’s health sector.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Medical Center, JFK Chief Executive Officer Dr. Linda A. Birch expressed appreciation to the Government of China for its continued partnership and support to Liberia’s premier referral hospital.
Dr. Birch described the donation as another milestone in the longstanding relationship between Liberia and China, noting that it will further strengthen the Medical Center’s ability to provide specialized healthcare services.
She recalled that under the Cardiology Cooperation Project between Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital of China and JFK Medical Center, China supported the renovation of the hospital’s Cardiac Ward and the establishment of Liberia’s first dedicated Cardiology Unit, which was officially commissioned on June 3, 2025.
According to Dr. Birch, the project also supplied essential cardiac diagnostic equipment, including echocardiography machines, ultrasound systems, intensive care beds, and cardiovascular medicines, significantly improving the hospital’s capacity to diagnose and treat heart disease.
While thanking the Chinese Government for the latest donation, Dr. Birch appealed for continued support to further expand cardiac services, particularly through the establishment of a Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab) at JFK Medical Center.
She said the facility would significantly improve Liberia’s capacity to diagnose and treat complex cardiovascular diseases locally, reducing the need for costly medical referrals abroad.
The latest donation underscores the growing health partnership between Liberia and China and reflects ongoing efforts by both countries to improve access to quality healthcare services for the Liberian people.
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