The Program marking the 5th Commencement Convocation Ceremony of the Pharmacy Technology took place recently at the Liberia Institute of Health Management Sciences (LIHMS) Campus in Barnersville, outside Monrovia. Twenty seven (27) students got Associate Degrees in Pharmacy Technology. The students include 16 females and 11 males.
Madam Nenneh Chieyoe, who proxy for her husband, the Deputy Minister for Planning, Policy& M&E, Ministry of Health, Malayah Tamba Chieyoe as the keynote speaker, said, ‘‘ Today, we gather not just to honor a class, but to celebrate a journey — a decade-long journey of vision, commitment, and impact. The LIHMS for the past 10 years has been committed to training health professionals who are not only competent, but compassionate — professionals who stand at the core of Liberia’s growing health sector.’’
‘‘This moment — our 5th Graduation Exercise for the Pharmacy Technician Program — Is a clear reminder that when purpose meets passion, history is made,’’ Madam Chieyoe said. Madam Chieyoe told the proud and purposeful Graduating Class of 2024 that as pharmacy technicians, they are entering a world that deeply needs them. Madam Chieyoe further told the graduates that their role is not minor — it is mission-critical.
‘‘You are the bridge between prescriptions and patient safety. You are the second set of eyes, the calm under pressure, and often, the first to catch a mistake that could cost a life,’’ she stated amid tremendous applause from the audience.
Speaking on the theme: ‘‘The Importance of Pharmacy Technicians in the Health Care Delivery System’’, she reminded the graduates that in every hospital ward, every community clinic, every emergency box, and every blister pack — there is a technician’s unseen hand and unwavering focus. Let the world never underestimate their value.
‘‘You are entering a health system that depends on your integrity, your accuracy, and your heart. Be dependable. Be compassionate. Be excellent. Don’t wait to be noticed — let your work speak for you,’’ Madam Madam Chieyoe said.
‘‘Be the Light in the System. We know the Liberian health system has challenges — but we also know that solutions don’t come from complaints; they come from committed professionals like you. You are no longer students. You are agents of change,’’ Madam Chieyoe further said. She then challenged the graduates to rise with pride, not arrogance and that they must lead with humility, not fear and serve with passion, not routine.
‘‘Today is a celebration of achievement — but it is also a call to action. Go out, Class of 2024. Let your knowledge be accurate. Let your service be selfless. Let your hands be trustworthy. Let your life be a prescription of hope, healing, and humanity. Congratulations once again to the Class of 2025,’’ Madam Chieyoe added.
Also speaking, Nathaniel S. Charlie, in his Valedictory speech, took a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of the class in the Pharmacy Technician Program. ‘‘First, let’s give a round of applause to the Class of 2024. We have all worked diligently, overcoming challenges and dedicating countless hours to our studies. Today, we are not just graduating; we are embarking on a journey as essential healthcare professionals. Our skills will not only impact patients’ lives, but also contribute to the betterment of our communities,’’ Mr. Charlie said.
Mr. Charlie, who received tremendous applause from the audience, stated that as they step into their roles as pharmacy technicians, ‘’let us remember the values of compassion, accuracy, and integrity that we have learned during our training. The knowledge we have gained will empower us to make informed decisions in our practice and provide exceptional care to those we serve.’’
He used the occasion to thank everyone who played a part in this journey. He also thanked their academic coordinator, Dr. Joseph Jimmy for his effective coordination and support during the program. Mr. Charlie as well thanked their faculty, saying their dedication has shaped them into capable technicians they celebrate today. ‘‘To our families and friends, your supports have been invaluable, and we appreciate your encouragement throughout this journey,’’ he said.
At this point, the Valedictorian respectfully recommended to the Government of Liberia (GoL), through the Deputy Minister of Planning at the Health Ministry, Anthony Malaya Tamba Chiayoue that Pharmacy Technicians are included in the reclassification of health workers and that Pharmacy Technicians are considered for deploying and assigning in hospitals and clinics across the country.
According to him, this will not only strengthen the healthcare work force but also ensure the safe and effective dispensing of medications to the citizens, especially in underserved communities. In closing, he encouraged each graduate to stay connected with their peers and their instructors.
‘‘Build networks that will last a lifetime, as the pharmacy profession is ever-evolving and collaboration is key. Congratulations once again! Class of 2024, we are immensely proud of you, and we look forward to hearing about all your future achievements as we take the next steps,’’ he added.
The Liberia Institute of Health Management Sciences is a newly established healthcare training institution to fill critical gaps in Liberia’s healthcare system by training healthcare professionals in healthcare management, pharmaceutical supply chain, pharmacy technology, health information management, and laboratory technology. Liberia faces an acute shortage of trained healthcare professionals, leading to inefficiencies in service delivery, poor health outcomes, and vulnerability to health crises such as the 2014–2016 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic.
Globally, strong healthcare systems depend on a well-trained workforce. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies healthcare worker shortages as a major barrier to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with 18 million more health workers needed globally by 2030 – most critically in low-income countries like Liberia (WHO, 2020a). LIHMS is established to help bridge this workforce gap by providing specialized training that has been largely absent in Liberia.
LIHMS was founded in response to the 2014–2016 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic that severely affected Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. Liberia’s health system collapsed during the EVD epidemic, which killed over 11,325 people across West Africa, including 4,810 deaths in Liberia alone (WHO, 2016).
