A transformative initiative is underway in Liberia, significantly bolstering the nation’s capacity in hearing healthcare. Eight Liberian healthcare workers have now completed specialized training as hearing instrument specialists in Lusaka, Zambia, thanks to a collaborative program spearheaded by Church Aid Incorporated, the relief arm of the New Water in the Desert Apostolic Pentecostal Church. This program, conducted in partnership with the Starkey Foundation and local partners, represents a substantial investment of US$160,000, covering not only tuition but also accommodation, travel expenses, laptops, and monthly stipends for the trainees. The recent graduation of the second cohort of four specialists marks a crucial step towards addressing the critical shortage of hearing healthcare professionals in Liberia. This commitment to capacity building is laying the foundation for improved access to vital hearing services for the Liberian population.
The newly qualified specialists represent various counties and hospitals across Liberia. Blessing Acquire from Grand Bassa County’s Government Hospital, Georgia A. Gray from Redemption Hospital in Montserrado County, Naomi Smith from C.B. Dunbar Hospital in Bong County, and Vanja Mama Kowula from C.H. Rennie Hospital in Margibi County comprise the latest group to return from their 11-month training program. Their return was marked by a Thanksgiving Praise Service at the New Water in the Desert Apostolic Pentecostal Church International in Brewerville, where the graduates expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity. Their testimonials highlighted the transformative impact of the program, not only on their professional development but also on their ability to contribute meaningfully to the health sector in Liberia.
The graduates’ expressions of appreciation underscored the visionary leadership of Bishop Kortu Brown, the general overseer of the New Water in the Desert Apostolic Pentecostal Church and head of Church Aid Incorporated. They acknowledged his instrumental role in conceptualizing and implementing this vital initiative, which is significantly enhancing healthcare accessibility in Liberia. The specialists pledged their commitment to serving the Liberian people with dedication and expertise, utilizing the skills and knowledge gained during their intensive training in Zambia. This dedication echoes the program’s core objective of not just training individuals but empowering them to become agents of change within their communities and the broader healthcare landscape.
This recent graduation builds on the success of a previous cohort of four hearing healthcare specialists trained through the same program. This consistent effort demonstrates a sustained commitment to addressing the long-term needs of the Liberian healthcare system. The combined efforts of Church Aid, the Starkey Foundation, and local partners are creating a ripple effect, gradually increasing the number of qualified professionals and expanding access to essential hearing services. This collaborative approach is proving crucial in tackling the significant gap in hearing healthcare provision.
Looking ahead, Bishop Brown announced the strategic placement of the 2024 graduates in major hospitals across Montserrado, Margibi, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties, ensuring a wider geographical reach for specialized hearing care. He also revealed the ongoing recruitment process for the third batch of trainees, targeting candidates from Nimba, Maryland, Grand Cape Mount, and Montserrado counties for the 2025 program. This proactive approach demonstrates a long-term vision for sustainable capacity building within the Liberian healthcare sector. The emphasis on expanding the program’s reach to different counties underscores the commitment to equitable access to healthcare services across the nation.
The overarching goal of this initiative is to significantly improve the state of hearing healthcare in Liberia. With currently only one specialized hearing healthcare doctor at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Sinkor, the need for expanded services is acute. Church Aid, in collaboration with its partners, aims to train an additional 20 nurses in 2025, further strengthening the network of hearing healthcare professionals across the country. This ambitious target reflects the urgency and scale of the need, as well as the dedication of Church Aid and its partners to making a substantial and lasting impact on the lives of those with hearing impairments in Liberia. The program also includes plans for screening initiatives in Montserrado County to identify and assist individuals requiring hearing care, demonstrating a proactive approach to reaching those in need. This multifaceted strategy, combining training, strategic placement of professionals, and community outreach, is poised to transform the landscape of hearing healthcare in Liberia.
