Morehouse Medical Doctors Launches Strategic Health Initiative in Liberia
April 30 2025
By Feeme M. Wantee
Monrovia: A distinguished delegation from the Morehouse School of Medicine from the US in collaboration with the HEARTT Foundation, has embarked on a landmark mission in Liberia aimed at combating prostate cancer and fostering long-term partnerships in medical education and research.
Addressing the Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism regular briefing on April 29, 2025 the team assure Liberia’s a transformative health sector. Dr. James Adama Sirleaf, a leading researcher focused on the genetic and molecular roots of prostate cancer in men of African descent.
Supported by the U.S. Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Sirleaf’s lab seeks to develop targeted therapies that address health disparities affecting Black men worldwide. “Our goal is to conduct meaningful research and forge enduring collaborations,” Dr. Sirleaf shared during a presentation in Monrovia. “Liberia must be an essential part of the global effort to improve outcomes for Black men.”
The visiting team met with healthcare professionals at JFK Medical Center, held discussions with faculty and students at the T.J.R. Faulkner College of Science and Technology (JooTi), and donated 65 boxes of essential medical supplies including PPE and surgical tools to support frontline care. Among the visiting experts was Dr. Edward Lee, a biomedical scientist with a global academic journey from Saudi Arabia to a Historically Black College in Pakistan.
Dr. Lee emphasized the significance of cross-cultural collaboration in advancing healthcare. “I stand with Liberia not just as a researcher but as a collaborator. Together, through shared knowledge and compassion, we can shape a healthier future,” he said. This initiative is part of a broader service campaign to bring advanced biomedical expertise to West Africa.
The team has outlined four strategic priorities: Pioneering prostate cancer research with a focus on African genetic data Increasing public health education and community engagement Expanding surgical capabilities, particularly in urology Building sustainable academic and research networks between Liberia and U.S. institutions Operations manager and bio specialist R.A. Stanley commended Liberia’s healthcare professionals, describing them as “an inspiration” for their unwavering dedication.
“The people of Liberia are determined to improve their health outcomes. We are proud to support them in that effort,” he remarked. The team also includes Dr. John McGill, a prominent American urologist and recipient of the Zero Health Equity Champion of the Year award. With over five years of service through the HEARTT Foundation, Dr. McGill stressed the urgency of breaking barriers to healthcare access. “Our mission is to reduce health disparities and help create a self-sustaining framework for medical advancement in Liberia,” he stated. As Liberia continues its efforts to revitalize its healthcare infrastructure, this collaboration marks a significant step toward a more resilient and equitable system.
