In this article, Hospaccx Healthcare Consultancy sheds light on Liberia’s healthcare landscape. We explore the government’s role in healthcare provision, the presence of private healthcare facilities, and emerging investment opportunities. Whether you’re considering healthcare development, restructuring, or investment initiatives in Liberia, our analysis provides valuable insights into the existing infrastructure and promising investment prospects.
Introduction
Liberia, situated on the West African coast, is a nation marked by its cultural diversity and rich history. Despite its natural beauty and vibrant heritage, Liberia grapples with profound challenges, including pervasive poverty, a legacy of civil conflict, and a struggling healthcare system. The aftermath of prolonged civil wars has left the country’s healthcare infrastructure severely depleted, with a critical shortage of medical professionals and inadequate facilities. This vulnerability was starkly exposed during the Ebola outbreak of 2014-2015, underscoring the urgent need for bolstered healthcare capacity and resources. Monrovia, the capital and largest city of Liberia, serves as a bustling hub of cultural diversity and economic activity on the West African coast. Today, Liberia faces the daunting task of rebuilding its healthcare system to ensure access to essential services and improve health outcomes for its population.
Demography
| Population | 5,418,377 (2023 est) |
| Population Density | 56 per Km2 (146 people per mi2) (2023 est) |
| Sex Ratio | 1 (101.5 male per 100 female) (2023 est) |
| Ethnicity | Kpelle (20.3%), Bassa (13.4%), Grebo (10%), Gio (8%), Mano (7.9%), Kru (6%), Loma (5.1%), Kissi (4.8%), Other (24.5%) |
Economy
GDP Growth Rate:
- 2022: 4.8%
- 2023: 4.7%
- 2024 (Projected): 5.3%
Fiscal Deficit (%):
- 2023: 5.5%
- 2024 (Projected): 3.3%
Current Account Deficit (% of GDP):
- 2023: 24.4%
Inflation Rate (%):
- 2023: 10.1%
Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishing contribution to GDP (%):
- 2022: 36.2%
Services contribution to GDP (%):
- 2022: 24%
Main drivers of Growth:
- 2023: Mining, private consumption, investment
Some Important Health Statistics
- Total fertility rate – 4.0 live births per woman (2023 est)
- Infant Mortality rate – 56.0 deaths per 1,000 live births (2023 est)
- Maternal Mortality rate – 1,072 deaths per 100,000 live births (2022 est)
- Urban Population – 54.3% (2023 est)
- Rural Population – 45.7% (2023 est)
- GDP growth rate – 4.7% (2023 est)
Major Diseases in Liberia
| Diseases | Description |
| Malaria | Mosquito-borne disease. Major public health concern, accounting for over 25% of outpatient visits and 33% of deaths in Liberia. |
| Tuberculosis (TB) | Infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs. TB prevalence rate of 169/100,000 people in Montserrado County in 2023. |
| HIV/AIDS | Viral infection with an estimated 1.5% prevalence among adults aged 15-49 in 2023. |
| Lassa Fever (12) | Acute viral hemorrhagic fever transmitted via contact with contaminated rodents. Decrease in reported cases in 2023. |
| Measles | Highly contagious viral infection. Decrease in cases from 8,868 in 2022 to 4,717 in 2023. |
| Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) | Severe illness with high fatality rates. Liberia reported more than 10,600 cases and 4,800 deaths during the 2014-2016 outbreak. |
| Schistosomiasis | Parasitic disease transmitted through contaminated water. Liberia achieved 94% mass drug administration coverage for school-age children in 2023. |
Top 5 Causes of Mortality in Liberia
- Diarrheal diseases – 11.5%
- Malaria – 7.5%
- Lower Respiratory Diseases – 7%
- Ischaemic Heart Diseases – 7.5%
- HIV/AIDS – 5.5%
In Liberia, diarrheal diseases, malaria, lower respiratory infections, ischaemic heart disease, and HIV/AIDS are the top causes of mortality. Efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure and public health interventions are essential to address these preventable deaths and improve overall health outcomes.
Healthcare Scenario in Liberia
- Liberia’s healthcare system faces multifaceted challenges stemming from its turbulent history, resource limitations, and ongoing health crises. Decades of conflict have left healthcare facilities in disrepair, with a severe shortage of medical professionals per capita.
- Communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS remain prevalent, compounded by inadequate prevention and treatment measures.
- Malnutrition and poor sanitation contribute to high rates of preventable diseases, particularly among children.
- Rebuilding Liberia’s healthcare system requires sustained investment in infrastructure, healthcare workforce development, disease prevention, and community-based healthcare initiatives. Collaboration between local authorities, international partners, and NGOs is essential to address these challenges and improve overall health outcomes for the Liberian population.
Healthcare Related Human Resources in Liberia (2022)
|
917 |
|
07 |
|
01 |
|
2,052 |
|
200 |
|
215 |
Major Medical Institutions in Liberia
PUBLIC
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John F Kennedy Hospital, Liberia – 500 beds
Established in 1961, the JFK Medical Center in Liberia received substantial funding from USAID. Construction began in 1965, and it opened on July 27, 1971. Despite damage during Liberia’s civil unrest from 1980 to 2003, including occupation by rebel forces, it remained operational as a crucial healthcare facility.
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St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital – 120 beds
Serving Liberia for 60 years, is committed to providing holistic, affordable, and quality healthcare to all, regardless of background. Their vision is to lead in excellent healthcare through skilled and dedicated staff, applying evidence-based practices to enhance the well-being of all Liberians.
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Phebe Hospital, Liberia – 200 beds
Originally established in 1921 in Muhlemburg, the first Phebe Hospital closed in 1946 for relocation. It subsequently moved to Zorzor before finding its permanent home in Bong County, where it opened its doors to patients in 1965.
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ELWA Hospital – 120 beds
ELWA Hospital, founded in 1965, serves as a crucial healthcare provider in Liberia. It received a new facility in 2016 and offers comprehensive medical services, including emergency care and surgery.
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Redemption Hospital – 200 beds
Situated in Monrovia, Liberia’s capital, offers complimentary medical services to the residents of New Kru Town. The newly constructed Redemption Hospital in Caldwell, Liberia, is designed to prevent future epidemics and meet the medical needs of the community.
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CH Renee Hospital, Liberia – 150 beds
Built on the site of the old hospital in Margibi County, as part of the President’s pledge after a fire incident. President expressed satisfaction in initiating the project, emphasizing its importance for the county and surrounding areas.
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JJ Dossen Hospital, Liberia – 88 beds
The J.J. Dossen Memorial Hospital in Harper, Liberia, honors James Jenkins Dossen, a former Liberian vice president and Chief Justice. It serves as a vital healthcare facility in south-eastern Liberia.
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Curran Hospital, Zorzor, Lofa County, Liberia – 81 beds
Curran Lutheran Hospital, located in Lofa County, Liberia, is situated close to Zorzor Market Ground and Royal Success marketplaces.
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C.B.Dunbar Memorial Hospital, Gbarnga, Bong County – 69 beds
Serves as the central region’s primary maternal healthcare facility since 2012. It caters to pregnant women and children from multiple counties and provides training in Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Jackson F. Doe Memorial Regional Referral Hospital – 120 beds
Serves as a regional referral hospital for Eastern Liberia and neighboring communities. Established in 2011 by the People’s Republic of China, it provides comprehensive medical services and serves as a training site for residency programs.
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Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital (TMH), Voinjama, Lofa County, Liberia – 135 beds
Offers primary and secondary healthcare since the 1950s. Services include pediatrics, OB/GYN, surgery, mental health, antenatal care, and dental services, provided free under the Lofa County Health Team.
PRIVATE
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Firestone Medical Center – 300 beds
Provides free healthcare to employees and their dependents, offering emergency and prenatal services to the public at low cost. Staffed by 150 professionals, it prioritizes maternal and child health, aiming to reduce maternity-related deaths.
- Benson Hospital – 60 beds
Benson Hospital, located in Paynesville, Monrovia, Liberia, is a 60-bed facility offering medical and surgical care. Founded in 1994 by Drs. Jimi and Angela Benson, it initially served as a free facility for refugees and internally displaced people during Liberia’s civil wars.
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Fidelity Healthcare Services – 20 beds
They provide comprehensive services from preventive care to surgeries like appendectomies and cesarean sections. The facility is known for quality, affordable healthcare for the whole family.
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SDA Cooper Hospital, Monrovia, Liberia – 48 beds
Situated in Monrovia, Liberia, has been managed by Adventist Health International since 2008. Despite facing closure during the 1980 civil war, it remains fully operational and actively serves the community, even amidst the Ebola crisis.
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AMI Hospital, Liberia – 48 beds
AMIL, Monrovia’s leading private clinic, expands its services to include urology, gynecology, pediatrics, and ophthalmology, alongside medical-grade oxygen. With a 24hr emergency room, x-ray, pharmacy, and on-site lab, it offers top-notch care to various sectors.
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Ganta United Methodist Hospital – 80 beds
Established in 1926, Ganta United Methodist Hospital serves around 450,000 people in northeast Liberia and neighboring countries. Despite closure in 2003 due to damage, it reopened in March 2004 and continues to operate.
Major Diagnostic Centers in Liberia
- Clinilab Medical & Diagnostic Center – CMDC, Monrovia, Liberia
- J-Singh Medical Laboratory and Clinic, Monrovia, Liberia
- Aspen Medical International, Liberia
- Wellness Partners Clinic, Monrovia, Liberia
Conclusion
Liberia’s healthcare landscape reflects resilience and ongoing challenges. Despite efforts by both local and international organizations, the country continues to grapple with issues ranging from inadequate infrastructure and limited access to healthcare services to the lingering effects of past conflicts and disease outbreaks like Ebola. While there are notable initiatives and facilities like AMI Liberia and the Jackson F. Doe Regional Hospital improving healthcare access, much work remains to be done to ensure that all Liberians have access to quality and affordable healthcare.
For more information on planning and designing healthcare facilities in Liberia, contact Hospaccx Healthcare Business Consulting Pvt. Ltd. You can reach us via email at hospaccx.india@gmail.com or visit our website www.hospaccxconsulting.com. We are committed to supporting your healthcare endeavors in Liberia.
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