𝙅𝙁𝙆 𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙨 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚-𝙤𝙛-𝙩𝙝𝙚-𝘼𝙧𝙩 𝙍𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙮 𝘾𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙄𝘼𝙀𝘼 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩

In a stride toward strengthening cancer care and other forms of illnesses in Liberia, the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK) today held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the country’s first standalone Radiotherapy Center. The project is supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under its Rays of Hope initiative, which seeks to expand global access to radiotherapy. Delivering the project overview, Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, described the Radiotherapy Center as a major milestone in the nation’s healthcare system. She outlined the center’s integration within Liberia’s national health strategy and emphasized its potential to reduce cancer-related mortality and the burden of seeking costly treatments abroad. “This center will not only provide life-saving radiotherapy treatment but also serve as a hub for research, training, and capacity development,” Minister Kpoto noted. “It reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing specialized healthcare services.” The Health Minister: “Today, I am overwhelmed with joy as we break ground for this landmark facility,” she said. “Cancer is a growing public health crisis. In Liberia, cervical, breast, liver, and prostate cancers account for over 70% of new diagnoses. The lack of local radiotherapy options has forced many to seek care abroad, often at great personal and financial cost. This center will change that narrative.” Minister Kpoto extended special thanks to Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi and the IAEA team for their technical and financial support, while also recognizing the leadership of President Boakai for prioritizing healthcare within his national development agenda. Meanwhile , the Chief Executive Officer of JFK, Dr. Linda A. Birch, has described the center as a critical intervention for Liberia’s health sector. “This Radiotherapy Center will not only save lives but will also improve outcomes for cancer patients across the country,” Dr. Birch said. “We are deeply grateful to the IAEA and the Government of Liberia for making this vision a reality.” The ceremonial turning of the soil, symbolizing the official start of construction, was led by President Boakai and Director General Grossi. In his remarks, President Boakai called the event a beacon of hope for the country. “Today, we are not just laying the foundation for a building, we are laying the foundation for a healthier Liberia,” the President stated. “This Radiotherapy Center is a promise fulfilled and a clear demonstration of my administration’s commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to all.” Finally, the Radiotherapy Center is expected to play a transformative role in Liberia’s fight against cancer, reducing mortality, building national capacity, and restoring hope to thousands of families.