In a stride toward strengthening cancer care and other forms of illnesses in Liberia, President Joseph N. Boakai has broken ground at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, 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, opting to expand global access to radiotherapy. Speaking at the ceremony, President Boakai described the event as “a transformative occasion in our journey towards advancing healthcare for our people and in strengthening international collaboration.”
According to him, the project represents a critical investment under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, with a strong focus on good health and well-being. Delivering the project overview, Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, described the Center as a major milestone in the nation’s healthcare system, outlining its integration within Liberia’s national health strategy, while emphasizing 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 costs. 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, 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. 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.
