River Gee County — The River Gee County Health Team has broken ground for the construction of two new clinics in the hard-to-reach Tienpo Health District, marking a major step toward improving healthcare access for rural communities.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held for the construction of Gmomaken Clinic and Dartoken Clinic, both located in remote areas of Tienpo District. The two facilities will replace severely dilapidated, mud-structured clinics inherited by the current County Health Team administration led by County Health Officer Dr. Pauline Weah Mehdeh.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Mehdeh said the poor condition of the existing structures posed risks to both patients and healthcare workers. “We recognized the urgent need to provide safe and dignified healthcare environments,” she stated. “The County Health Team has consistently advocated for the upgrading and reconstruction of these facilities.”
The project was approved following sustained advocacy to the Ministry of Health. The River Gee County Health Team expressed “profound appreciation” to Health Minister Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto (Cleo Mac) for her leadership and commitment to strengthening Liberia’s health system.
“The Minister’s dedication to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to quality health services across Liberia made this initiative possible,” the County Health Team said in a statement. “She favorably considered and approved support for the reconstruction of these two critical facilities.”
Local leaders, health authorities, and community members who attended the ceremony praised the Ministry of Health for prioritizing hard-to-reach populations. Many expressed gratitude that quality healthcare services are being brought closer to residents who previously traveled long distances for basic care.
Tienpo Health District is one of the most remote areas in River Gee County, where mud-structured facilities and poor road access have long hindered service delivery. The new clinics are expected to improve maternal health, child health services, and emergency response in Gmomaken, Dartoken, and surrounding towns.
The River Gee County Health Team reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Ministry of Health, development partners, and local communities to ensure the successful completion of both projects.
“This is about dignity,” Dr. Mehdeh added. “Our people deserve facilities that are safe for both those giving care and those receiving it.”
