-In rural Liberia
By: Christiana Mabande
Liberia’s poor road network, particularly unpaved ones, affects over half of the population, disrupts economic activities, worsens poverty, and slows development, with most counties inaccessible during rainy seasons, affecting health, food security, and educational opportunities.
Rural communities in District 2, Margibi are facing road conditions that hinder healthcare delivery services, making it nearly impossible for residents to access the only clinic in the area.
“I pray that one day the government will fix our roads so that we will not have a hard time going to the clinic,” Mamie James said.
Mamie James, a resident of Nuah Town, warns that the poor road network during the rainy season makes it difficult for citizens, particularly pregnant women, to seek medical attention.
The situation is causing concern among the area’s residents, who are concerned about the disruption of their free movement and their pursuit of a healthy life.
Theresa Chowoe, a Registered Nurse at JAW Community Clinic Annex 1, reports that poor road network and flooding during rainy seasons hinder access to the health facility, leading to increased deaths.
Madam Chowoe highlighted the challenges faced by a clinic since 2021, which aims to promote healthy living, due to lack of ownership and resistance from citizens to traditional herbs.
“To ensure that the well-being of the citizens with regards to quality health care services is maintained, we render major services including a lab for all, delivery, short-stay service, and treatment among others at a very low cost,” Chowoe narrates.
Theresa Chowoe urges the national government, specifically the Ministry of Health, to support the facility’s efforts to promote a healthy nation.
