-As LMM Calls for Government Intervention on Mental Health Improvement
By Vaye A. Lepolu
Monrovia, Liberia — The Liberia Medical Mission (LMM), a non-governmental organization based in the United States, is set to deliver over $1 million worth of medical supplies to Liberia. The organization, which brings together medical professionals to provide services in Liberia, has also called on the Liberian government to prioritize mental health improvement across the country.
Established 19 years ago, the LMM was formed in response to the dire medical challenges faced by Liberians. Since its inception, the organization has provided over $16 million worth of medical services and supplies. This year, the mission includes a team of highly skilled medical professionals from around the world who will offer free medical services, training, and surgeries in several regions of Liberia.
Targeted Medical Services and Training
The LMM team comprises international and local medical experts, including ophthalmologists, surgeons, and mental health specialists. Among the professionals are Dr. Christopher Madison (General and Robotic Surgeon), Dr. Daniel Lee (Urologist), Dr. Patience Ofori-Darkwa (Trauma and General Surgeon), Dr. Cherinor Sillah (Emergency/Orthopedics and Sports Medicine), and several ophthalmologists, including Dr. Richard Maw, Dr. Jeremy Joseph, and Dr. Aisha Sheriff Kalembe.
The mission has set a target of addressing 100 cases in regional parts of Liberia, with a focus on Montserrado, Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, and Gbarpolu counties. Services will include free mobile clinics, mental health assessments, surgeries, and other critical medical interventions.
Executive Director Highlights Mission’s Goals
Joseph Sackor, Executive Director of the Liberia Medical Mission, emphasized the organization’s commitment to improving healthcare in Liberia. “We are focusing on four counties to offer free medical training and services to ensure citizens have access to quality healthcare,” he said.
Sackor expressed gratitude to President Joseph N. Boakai for his warm welcome and support, noting that such a reception had not been extended in previous years. He also thanked local partners for their collaboration and reaffirmed the LMM’s dedication to providing the best medical services to the people of Liberia.
Mental Health: A Critical Need
Dr. Williametta Simmons, head of the mental health department, highlighted the urgent need for mental health services in Liberia. “Liberia has just emerged from a civil crisis, and many citizens are in dire need of mental health support,” she said.
Dr. Simmons, who has spent over 27 years abroad, expressed her desire to give back to her homeland by working with other doctors to improve the health conditions of Liberians. She called on the government to prioritize mental health by providing necessary medical supplies, facilities, and training.
“Many Liberians suffering from mental health issues lack access to proper assessment and treatment,” she noted. “The government must also consider increasing the salaries of doctors working in mental health to ensure quality service delivery.”
Mental Health in Emergency Care
Dr. Cherinor Sillah, Chief Medical Officer for the LMM, shared his observations on the prevalence of mental health issues in emergency care. “Although I am not trained in mental health, I encounter it daily in the emergency room. Mental health is everywhere, affecting people regardless of their economic status. It is crucial for Liberia to have a dedicated team to address these needs,” he said.
Dr. Sillah emphasized the importance of integrating mental health services into the broader healthcare system, urging the government to seize the opportunity to build a robust mental health framework.
