By Emmanuel T. Quiah
The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Health and the Maryland County Health Team, has distributed rice and cooking oil to staff of the Pleebo Health Center as a token of appreciation for their dedication and commitment to providing healthcare services.
The presentation ceremony, held on Friday , July 24, 2026 during the facility’s regular morning briefing, brought together administrators, department heads, supervisors, and staff, who welcomed the initiative as a timely gesture ahead of Liberia’s 179th Independence Day celebration on July 26.
According to the Pleebo Health Center administration, 130 bags of 25Kg rice and 65 gallons of cooking oil were distributed to staff members following a directive from the Ministry of Health through Maryland County Health Officer Dr. Materia George, in which each staff member received a 25kg bag of riche with half gallon of cooking oil.
Delivering the administration’s remarks, Dr. Foko thanked the staff for their unwavering commitment over the past year and emphasized that the government values the sacrifices made by healthcare workers.
”The Government of Liberia is thinking about our people and recognizes the sacrifices healthcare workers continue to make. We were instructed by the Ministry of Health, through our County Health Officer, Dr. Materia George, that all staff should be appreciated ahead of the July 26 celebration,” Dr. Foko said.
He explained that the distribution of 130 bags of rice and 65 gallons of oil was intended to recognize the staff’s hard work in saving lives and caring for patients.
”This is only a token of appreciation. Because of the excellent work you continue to do for our patients, this will not be the last time we recognize your efforts. We will continue to appreciate you. Last year, we organized a year-end entertainment program for the entire staff, and similar initiatives will continue every year,” he assured.
Dr. Foko further noted that the gesture originated from the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Health and was implemented by the administration of Pleebo Health Center on behalf of the County Health Officer and the Minister of Health.
Receiving the package on behalf of the Emergency Room staff, Mr. Baney Neufville, Supervisor of the Emergency Room Department, expressed gratitude to both the Maryland County Health Team and the Pleebo Health Center administration.
”We were not expecting this, but we are grateful that our hard work has been recognized. This timely appreciation encourages us to continue giving our best in serving our patients. We sincerely thank the administration and pray this will not be the last,” Mr. Neufville said.
Also speaking on behalf of the volunteer healthcare worker, Dorithy D. Nyeswah praised the Ministry of Health, the Government of Liberia, the Maryland County Health Team, and the Pleebo Health Center administration for recognizing the efforts of frontline workers.
”It is always encouraging when people who work hard are motivated. This gesture inspires us to work even harder to ensure our patients receive the best possible care. We wholeheartedly welcome this initiative and assure you that we will continue striving for excellence,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the staff, another employee only identified as Solomon thanked the Ministry of Health and the county health authorities, saying the package would further strengthen their commitment to serving patients.
”We receive this gift with appreciation and will use it as motivation to do even more for the people we serve,” he remarked.
”When people are appreciated, they are encouraged to work harder. Sometimes we work long hours and even get hungry while caring for patients. This support motivates us to continue serving. We pray that God blesses everyone who made this possible,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of the food packages to staff members, who described the initiative as a morale booster that demonstrates the government’s recognition of the vital role healthcare workers play in delivering quality medical services to the people of Maryland County.
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