28/04/2026
JFK’s Refurbished Maternity Wing Officially Commissioned
Monrovia, Liberia – The Government of Japan, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has officially turned over the newly renovated and upgraded maternity wing of the Liberian-Japanese Friendship Hospital to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFKMC).
The Japanese-funded initiative was implemented under the project, Responding to Maternal and Newborn Mortality and Public Health Emergencies in Liberia’s High-Burden Districts in Montserrado County, which aims to eliminate preventable deaths during childbirth.
The commissioning ceremony brought together senior government officials, international partners, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders to celebrate a facility described not only as a medical wing, but as a sanctuary of hope for mothers and newborns.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Liberia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, expressed deep appreciation for the project and thanked the Government of Japan for its continued partnership in helping Liberia reduce preventable maternal deaths.
“I am extremely happy for this project,” Dr. Kpoto said. “Women should be comfortable in a safe and healthy environment while in the process of giving life.”
She described the renovation as a strong vote of confidence in Liberia’s healthcare system and urged that the facility be used responsibly and maintained effectively.
Dr. Kpoto also used the occasion to announce the establishment of a biomedical school at the Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts (TNIMA) beginning the next academic year, aimed at ensuring the long-term maintenance of medical equipment and strengthening technical healthcare services.
On behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the people of Liberia, she extended sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for making the project possible.
Japanese Ambassador to Liberia, His Excellency Yoshimoto Hiroshi, noted that the project was funded through Japan’s supplementary budget, designed to support health systems requiring urgent attention.
He said the handover represented more than the completion of a renovation project.
“It reflects our shared commitment to protecting the lives of mothers and newborns, and ensuring that every woman has access to safe and dignified maternal healthcare,” Ambassador Hiroshi said.
He added that Japan remains committed to supporting Liberia’s health sector in line with its development cooperation policy, which emphasizes self-help efforts by partner countries and the promotion of human security.
Ambassador Hiroshi further disclosed that more than 40 midwives at JFKMC were trained under the project in the 5S-Kaizen quality management approach, reinforcing investments in human capital and service delivery.
He commended the Government of Liberia, particularly the Ministry of Health, for its continued collaboration in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
A Living Monument to Partnership
JFK Medical Center Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Linda A. Birch, described the renovation of the Liberian-Japanese Friendship Hospital as a milestone achievement for maternal and child healthcare in Liberia.
“Today, April 28, is not just an ordinary day. It is a testament to what genuine international friendship, shared vision, and unwavering commitment to maternal and child healthcare in Liberia can achieve,” Dr. Birch said.
She explained that the refurbishment of key areas, including the labor and delivery suites, emergency rooms, operating theaters, and supporting clinical spaces, has significantly enhanced the hospital’s capacity to provide timely, quality maternal healthcare services.
“The new operating rooms and emergency theaters will empower us to perform miracles on a daily basis,” she said.
Dr. Birch emphasized that the renovated spaces are more than physical structures.
“They are sanctuaries of hope for countless families,” she noted.
She also acknowledged past service delivery challenges and assured the public and development partners that delays in emergency maternal care would be significantly reduced.
According to Dr. Birch, the renovation represents not only a structural transformation, but a cultural shift within JFKMC, backed by a rigorous maintenance plan to ensure the facility remains efficient and fully functional for years to come.
Partnership Delivering Results
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Christine Umutoni, said the initiative stands as a powerful example of development assistance directly addressing urgent national priorities.
“We are pleased that this project contributes to the wider UN Cooperation Framework and supports flagship programs aimed at reducing maternal mortality, with special attention to adolescent girls,” she said.
Madam Umutoni praised Japan’s continued leadership as a development partner helping Liberia advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals despite ongoing global financial challenges.
She reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s health system alongside government and development partners.
She encouraged healthcare workers to view the renovated facility as “a sanctuary of hope where mothers feel safe, where newborns take their first breath in comfort, and where the future of Liberia begins.”
“While maternal and child health challenges remain, we must never allow anyone to die while giving life,” she added.
National Appreciation
Grand Cape Mount County Senator Dabah M. Varpilah also conveyed gratitude to the people and Government of Japan for investing their resources in strengthening Liberia’s healthcare system.
She noted that Japan’s longstanding support to Liberia’s health sector has saved lives for decades and continues to strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide.
“This renovation is not just a gift, it is an investment in our collective future,” Senator Varpilah said. “With the completion of this project, the facility now stands as a beacon of hope for mothers and newborns.”
She pledged continued advocacy for adequate budgetary support and stronger partnerships to ensure equitable healthcare access across Liberia.
Recognition and Appreciation
At the close of the ceremony, JFK Medical Center honored Ambassador Yoshimoto Hiroshi with a ceremonial gown in recognition of his outstanding contributions not only to JFKMC, but to Liberia’s broader health sector.
Two UNFPA staff members were also presented certificates of appreciation for their dedication, active participation, and hard work during the renovation process.
