By Ernest Kpehe Moibah
Mannah Clan, Klay District: In a landmark move to strengthen public health services and protect children from life threatening diseases, the Ministry of Health, through the Bomi County Health Team, has officially inaugurated a new Extended Program on Immunization (EPI) department at the A-Z Health Facility in Mannah Clan, Klay District.
The new vaccine center, launched on July 29, 2025 in partnership with local health authorities, marks a significant step toward improving access to essential immunization services for thousands of rural residents who have long struggled with limited healthcare access.
“A Turning Point for Child Health”
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Child Survival Focus Person for Klay District, Charles Coleman described the initiative as “a turning point in the fight against preventable childhood diseases.”
“For too long, mothers in Mannah Clan and surrounding areas have had to walk long distances or wait months to get their children vaccinated,” Coleman said. “This new immunization center will ensure that babies and young children receive timely protection against diseases that have taken too many young lives.”
Coleman emphasized that immunization remains one of the most cost effective and powerful tools in reducing child mortality, urging all mothers and caregivers to fully utilize the center’s services.
Community Welcomes New Center with Gratitude
Local parents and community leaders hailed the Ministry of Health’s intervention as life changing. “This is a blessing for us,” said Madam Fatu Sumo, a mother of three. “In the past, we had to leave early in the morning and spend money to reach vaccination sites far away. Now, we can bring our children here safely and quickly. This will save lives.”
Residents expressed hope that the new department will bridge the healthcare gap, reduce missed vaccinations, and improve overall community health.
A-Z Health Facility CEO Commends Ministry of Health
Mr. Alexander Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of A-Z Health Facility, publicly thanked the Ministry of Health and the Bomi County Health Team for their “unwavering support in making this vision a reality.”
“Vaccines are not just medicine; they are hope for a healthy future,” Jackson stated. “By establishing this immunization department, we are giving every child in Mannah Clan a fighting chance to grow strong and free from preventable diseases.”
Jackson assured the public that the facility remains committed to quality healthcare delivery and called on all community members to “embrace vaccination as their own responsibility” for a healthier and safer future.
Boosting Vaccination Rates and Reducing Disease Burden
Health experts believe the newly established EPI department will significantly increase vaccination rates, closing critical gaps in child immunization coverage across Bomi County. Diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, and tetanus, which continue to threaten children in underserved areas, will now face a stronger frontline defense.
The center is expected to serve not only residents of Mannah Clan but also nearby communities, reducing travel costs, improving early childhood health outcomes, and helping Liberia meet its national and global immunization targets.
Looking Ahead
With this milestone, the Ministry of Health and Bomi County Health Team reaffirm their commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery, particularly in rural communities. Health officials believe that continued investment in immunization and other essential health services will lay the foundation for a healthier, more resilient generation of Liberian children.
“Every child deserves a healthy start in life,” Coleman concluded. “This new center brings us closer to making that a reality for Bomi County and beyond.”
