Gbololu, Maryland County – A significant milestone for rural healthcare unfolded in Southeastern Liberia as the communities of Gbololu and Gbewien, nestled within the remote Pleebo Sodoken District, proudly handed over a newly constructed health post to the Maryland County Health Team (CHT) on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
This vital health facility, born from the dedication of local residents and supported financially by the CHT, promises to revolutionize healthcare access for over 3,000 individuals in the region. The handover ceremony, a vibrant affair held in Gbololu Town, drew the participation of local authorities, esteemed traditional leaders representing the 29 Nyanbo Towns, members of the Maryland Council of Chiefs, and a multitude of enthusiastic residents.
Speaking on behalf of the Gbololu community, John Toe expressed profound gratitude for the CHT’s crucial involvement and commended the unwavering commitment of the local people. “This facility will alleviate the long-standing burden on our people who have endured significant challenges in accessing basic health services,” he affirmed.
Dr. Siedoh Freeman, the Maryland County Health Officer, graciously accepted the keys to the new facility and lauded the communities for their proactive initiative. “When people demonstrate such hard work, it is imperative to acknowledge their efforts. This building is not only accessible but also timely, especially with the impending rainy season,” Dr. Freeman emphasized. “Now, our people will have a comfortable and dignified place to receive the care they need.”
Highlighting the anticipated positive impact of the health post, particularly on maternal health and emergency response, Dr. Freeman stated, “If a pregnant woman requires urgent care, she can now come here instead of being attended to in potentially unsafe private rooms. This is a remarkable achievement by the community.”
Dr. Freeman detailed the range of essential services that the facility will provide, including crucial vaccinations, antenatal care, and treatment for prevalent ailments such as malaria, hypertension, and diabetes. “We are equipped to manage straightforward cases here. However, should a condition become severe, we have a clear referral pathway to the Old Sodoken clinic,” she explained.
Concluding her remarks, Dr. Freeman powerfully stated, “When communities undertake such initiatives, it clearly demonstrates their serious commitment to combating preventable deaths.”
Chief Thomas Nyema of Gbewien delivered an emotionally charged speech, reflecting on the protracted struggles faced by the two towns. “We have tragically lost many loved ones to illnesses that could have been prevented. But today, with immense relief, I can declare that our people will no longer succumb to common sicknesses,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Nelson Neal, Chairperson of the Maryland Council of Chiefs, echoed these sentiments, commending the spirit of collaboration and pledging sustained support. “We will actively partner with the CHT to ensure the health post is consistently supplied with the necessary materials,” he promised.
The Gbololu-Gbewien Health Post, while a modest single-room structure, is thoughtfully equipped with a patient examination area, a waiting bench for comfort, and secure storage for vital medications. Despite its size, it represents the very first formal healthcare facility in this part of District 2 and holds the promise of significantly reducing perilous delays in accessing critical treatment.
Constructed through the dedicated volunteer labor of community members and bolstered by the financial support of the Maryland County Health Team, this project stands as a shining testament to the power of community-driven development. Local leaders are now appealing to the Ministry of Health and international partners to provide essential equipment and staffing to ensure the long-term viability and success of this crucial health post.
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