ArcelorMittal donates over US$150,000 in medical supplies to Nimba County

LIBERIA—ArcelorMittal Liberia, part of the ArcelorMittal group, the world’s leading steel and mining company, and leader in all major steel markets globally, has donated over US$150,000 worth of medical supplies and equipment to the Nimba County Health Team.

According to the Liberian Observer, the donated items included essential medical tools such as thermometers, hospital beds, syringes, and surgical materials, surpassing US$150,000, with additional expenses not factored into the overall cost.

This donation is part of ArcelorMittal’s ongoing efforts to support and strengthen the healthcare system in Nimba County, working closely with the George Way Harley Hospital.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Marcus Wreh, the Head of the Department of Sustainability and External Relations at ArcelorMittal Liberia, highlighted the company’s long-standing partnership with the G.W. Harley Hospital.

Wreh noted that the company has a history of making similar donations to other healthcare facilities in the region, with the support of its partner, Project C.U.R.E.

He specifically mentioned that in addition to the current donation, the company had previously donated medical supplies to two other clinics in the area—the Camp 4 Clinic near Yekepa and the Lugbeyee Clinic in the same vicinity.

Wreh highlighted that the partnership with Project C.U.R.E has been instrumental in ensuring the availability of critical medical supplies and equipment for these healthcare facilities.

The mining company’s collaboration with G. W. Harley Hospital extends beyond these donations.

During the Ebola Virus outbreak, ArcelorMittal constructed a holding center at the hospital, which later transitioned into a treatment center.

The company is now in the process of building a new facility to replace the current hospital, which is located near the railroad in Sanniquellie.

However, this decision has reportedly sparked public concerns due to the new facility’s proximity to the railway.

For his part, Dr. Ponnie Dolo, Head of the Nimba County Health Team, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Health for the donation.

Dr. Dolo assured that the donated supplies would be put to good use and highlighted the ongoing challenges in the fight against maternal and infant mortality.

He appealed for additional support, particularly in improving maternal waiting rooms, which play a crucial role in ensuring better care for pregnant women. 

“These maternal waiting rooms help bridge the gap by allowing pregnant women to stay closer to healthcare facilities until it’s time to give birth,” Dr. Dolo explained.

He noted, however, that one of the key challenges is the lack of basic amenities such as mattresses, which are necessary for these waiting rooms to function effectively.

Nimba County Superintendent Madam Kou Meapeh Gono also attended the donation ceremony.

She commended ArcelorMittal for its contributions to the region’s healthcare system and stressed the importance of incorporating medical technology to enhance healthcare delivery.

Gono emphasized that while the medical supplies were much needed, advanced medical technology is equally essential for doctors to treat diseases such as malaria and polio effectively.

“We see the tools, but we also need the technology. We hope you will reach out to your partners to help provide some of these technologies,” Gono urged, though she did not specify the exact type of technology required.

ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Chief Executive Officer, Michel Van De Merwe, praised the leadership of both the hospital and the county for their efforts in improving healthcare.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working closely with them to address some of the most pressing healthcare needs in the region.

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