In an effort to foster health workforce retention and strengthen the health system in Maryland County, Partners In Health (PIH) Liberia has officially handed over three key infrastructure projects to the Maryland County Health Team (CHT). These projects include a completely renovated nursing dormitory and a rotating residence for health care providers at the James Jenkins Dossen (JJD) Memorial Hospital, as well as the Call Room at the Pleebo Health Center. The nursing dormitory contains two apartments, each with four rooms, while the doctors’ residence and the call room comprise three and two flats, respectively, each with two rooms.
Dr. Joia Mukherjee, Dr. Bill Davis of J.J. Dossen Hospital and Dr. Siedoh Freeman, Maryland County Health Officer, break ground for the intern residence at J.J. Dossen Hospital in Harper. Photo by Aminata Massaley / PIH
Implemented under the “Transforming Care for the Critically Ill Project,” PIH, alongside the CHT, aims to address the long-standing lack of safe and dignified space (housing) for health workers. The new housing provides a comfortable and well-ventilated space where staff can rest and remain close to patients during their duty hours, while minimizing the financial burden of housing.
PIH has been working hand in hand with the Government of Liberia and the Maryland County Health Team to establish Maryland as a model county for innovative rural health service delivery in Liberia. They have turned a run-down county hospital, JJ Dossen (JJD) Hospital (that previously had only two general practitioners assigned), into a hospital of choice.
During a recent handover ceremony in Harper and Pleebo Cities, Dr. Siedoh Freeman, the Maryland County Health Officer, expressed appreciation for PIH’s continuous partnership and support for the health sector in Maryland County.
Didi Farmer, along with Maryland County Health and local government authorities, cuts ribbon at the renovated nursing dormitory at J.J. Dossen Hospital. Photo by Ansumana O. Saysey / PIH
“PIH has built our staff and strengthened human resource capacity across the county. They have consistently provided medical supplies that keep JJD Hospital and other health facilities operational, thereby supporting the government’s efforts,” Dr. Freeman stated. She further praised PIH for its significant infrastructural contributions and improvements to emergency response services in the county, saying,
“When we talk about a good partner, PIH has truly been that partner.”
The three facilities, including the nursing dormitory and intern doctors’ residence at the JJD Hospital, as well as the call room at Pleebo Health Center, are equipped with reliable solar energy and water supplies to ensure that health workers have the resources they need to live and work effectively. Solar energy investments are an innovative approach to addressing climate change. These facilities provide a comfortable and well-ventilated space where staff can rest and remain close to patients during their duty hours.
“These investments go beyond construction,” said PIH Project Manager Cornelius T. Doe. He emphasized that the projects reflect the shared belief that well-supported health care workers are better equipped to care for their patients and communities by increasing their proximity to patients, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for the people of Maryland County and beyond.
Front view of the completely renovated nursing dormitory at J.J. Dossen Hospital in Harper. Photo by Aminata Massaley / PIH
Mayor Larry Geekor of Pleebo City commended PIH for its long-standing partnership that extends beyond health facilities to broader community development efforts. He remarked,
“If I had my way, I would change the name to Partners in Progress instead of Partners In Health.”
Mayor Geekor highlighted the transformative role PIH continues to play across various sectors in Maryland County, speaking on behalf of county authorities.
Dr. Robert N. Sieh, representing the resident doctors, noted that the newly constructed residence is a significant relief for medical practitioners in the county.
“This is a dream come true. With these facilities available, we can rest well after work. It boosts our morale and helps us serve our patients better,” Dr. Sieh said.
A partially furnished room at the newly constructed intern doctors’ residence at the J.J. Dossen Hospital in Harper. Photo by Luther N. Mafalleh / PIH
He commended PIH for its ongoing investment in the welfare of health care workers, particularly in Maryland County.
Cate Oswald, PIH’s Principal Chief Program Officer for Global Policy and Programs, stated that the project reflects the strength of partnership among the Ministry of Health, the County Health Team, academic leaders, and other international collaborators, all working toward a shared vision for sustainable health workforce development in Liberia.
“The handover today is not just a transfer of keys; it symbolizes the handover of hope, trust, and continuity for the people who will live here and care for communities across the country,” she noted.
