ArcelorMittal Liberia has officially commenced a free community health outreach in Nimba County, targeting communities directly impacted by its mining operations.
The initiative is currently benefiting residents of Gbapa and Bonalah, two communities located within the company’s operational area. Community members turned out in large numbers to access the free medical services provided under the outreach.
With smiles and appreciation, residents warmly welcomed healthcare workers from the Ministry of Health, who partnered with ArcelorMittal Liberia to deliver the life-saving services. In addition to the host communities, residents from nearby towns and villages also benefited as they traveled to the outreach sites for treatment.
Speaking prior to the commencement of the exercise, Lee T. Dammo, County Clinical Supervisor #1 for Nimba County, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative.
“This initiative is being provided by ArcelorMittal Liberia with the full involvement of the Ministry of Health; that is why you see us here today. AML supplied all the necessary medications, but needed medical professionals to administer them—hence our presence,” he explained.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Matthew Dolo, Clan Chief of Gbapa Clan and Acting Paramount Chief of Gbei Chiefdom in the Yarmein Administrative District, expressed profound gratitude to the company and the Government of Liberia (GOL).
“I want to say thank you to AML and the Government of Liberia (GOL) through the Ministry of Health for this opportunity. We are appealing to the company to work with the community to complete this clinic project so it can be fully opened and serve our people,” he stated.
One other elderly mother who came for the Free Community Health Outreach applaud ArcelorMittal Liberia for providing them the opportunity to seek medical attention in the own location.
Mano a dialect spoken in Nimba, a mother who benefited from the Outreach said, “Un na un wala zuo gay le Mittal Steal mian O non plen zay a, un gay leh leah yourrr Ko na o keh zay luo senh senh ka,” interpreting in English as, “I’m happy that ArcelorMittal Liberia people came here today. My heart is happy. I want them to be here everyday.”
Several beneficiaries, including pregnant women, baby-mothers, elderly men and women, also praised ArcelorMittal Liberia for the timely intervention, describing it as a meaningful gesture that has eased healthcare challenges in the area, while calling on the company to sustain and expand similar initiatives across the county.
