07/11/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2025
JFK Medical Center Gets Justice Ministry Approval for Mass Burial of 87 Unclaimed Bodies and Other Remains
Friday, November 7, 2025
Monrovia, Liberia — The John F. Kennedy (JFK) Memorial Medical Center wishes to inform the public that it has received official approval from the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Liberia to conduct a mass burial for eighty-seven (87) unclaimed bodies and twenty-five (25) amputated body parts currently in its custody.
The approval, signed by Cllr. Cora N. Hare-Konuwa, Deputy Minister for Administration and Public Safety, authorizes the burial to take place between November 7–9, 2025, under strict adherence to public health and safety protocols.
This exercise will be carried out in collaboration with the Liberia National Police, Monrovia Central Prison, the Ministry of Justice, and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) to ensure that all procedures uphold the dignity of the deceased and meet established national health standards.
James-Emmanuel D. Cole, Jr., Communications Director of JFK Medical Center, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to maintaining dignity, professionalism, and humanity in all aspects of its public health responsibilities.
“The JFK Memorial Medical Center remains committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in handling unclaimed remains and ensuring a dignified final resting place for all,” Cole stated.
He also extended the institution’s appreciation to the Ministry of Justice, National Public Health Institute, and other partner institutions for their collaboration in this important public health exercise.
Cole further assured the public that all necessary environmental and sanitary measures have been implemented to safeguard community health throughout the process. The burial will take place from Saturday, November 8, to Sunday, November 9, 2025, in close coordination with the National Public Health Institute.
According to Cole, records indicate that some of the bodies have been in storage for up to six months without any claims from relatives. Others were recovered by the police from public areas, crime scenes, or cases involving unexplained deaths and suspected drug-related fatalities.