greater healthcare investment, describing it as a crucial driver for sustainable growth. Speaking over the weekend in Gbartala, Yelequelleh District, and Karfiah told healthcare workers, volunteers, and community leaders that strong health systems are essential for building resilient communities and improving economic productivity.
He stated that investments in healthcare infrastructure, training, and innovation directly affect human capital development. Karfiah noted that when communities get proper healthcare, their members are healthier, more productive, and better able to contribute to their families and local economies.
He mentioned that preventive care and early intervention, such as vaccination programs and health education, save lives and lower costs and further prevent diseases before they become costly crises, thereby saving resources and also keeping communities thriving.
He made the comments at the 19th Anniversary celebration of Gbartala Clinic in Yelequellie Administrative District, Bong County. Mr. Karfiah highlighted how new technologies and digital health tools are changing service delivery. The former lawmaker pointed out the role of healthcare in promoting social equity.
He said that inclusive access to health services builds stronger, more cohesive communities. The ex-representative urged volunteers to keep advocating for sustained and smart investments in health, stressing that their experiences provide powerful evidence of the real impact of such investments.
“Every vaccination you give, every health education session you hold, and every life you touch contribute to a cycle of growth, resilience, and hope,” he told the gathering. For his part, Dr. Gabriel Sumo Nyangweba, representing the Bong County health team, said the primary goal of the program was to generate funding for the local clinic.
Nyangweba acknowledged challenges, including inadequate facilities and the lack of fencing, but insisted that the community has a key role in addressing them. “The facility belongs to the community, and they must work to improve and secure it rather than just relying on the central government,” he said.
According to him, the county health team has done assessments and engaged the county engineer to address long-term needs. They are discussing how to legitimize the clinic’s land, expand its maternal waiting room, and possibly secure up to 25 acres for future development. The long-term vision, he explained, is to establish a fully equipped health center with doctors’ quarters and offices. This center aims to serve the community for the next 100 to 200 years. Both speakers concluded that partnerships between communities, health workers, and policymakers are crucial for ensuring an area healthier and more sustainable future for Bong County.
By Jacob Kermue/Bong County Reporter
