By Grace Bryant Mollay
A delegation from the United States has arrived in Liberia to launch a biomedical and tourism initiative focused on prostate cancer, aiming to improve healthcare delivery and strengthen cultural ties between Liberia and the African diaspora.
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Heart Foundation, John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, the A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine at the University of Liberia, and Morehouse School of Medicine in the United States.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing, Matthew S. Wulukau, emphasized its transformative potential pointing out, “This initiative embodies service and transformation. It’s about more than just healthcare; it’s about forging lasting partnerships between Liberia and American institutions, and laying the groundwork for a world-class healthcare ecosystem.”
“This is a bold and visionary step for Liberia. Together, we are building not just a program but a lasting legacy of health, education, and international solidarity,”he said.
The program aims to advance research and care for prostate cancer in Liberia and across West Africa, to examine the incidence, prevention, and treatment of prostate cancer particularly among men of African descent, who are disproportionately affected by the disease.
He said it also features mentorship opportunities, advanced biomedical research training, and expanded surgical services, with a specific focus on urology.
Leanne Burnham of Morehouse School of Medicine, a leading scientific partner, underscored the importance of the collaboration adding, “We’re studying why prostate cancer tends to be more aggressive in Black men and those of West African ancestry. By understanding the molecular and genetic drivers, we can improve survival outcomes and advance health equity.”
Her research is supported by the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Institutes of Health, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
According to her, the initiative will also provide hands-on service learning for students and professionals from the diaspora, offering them opportunities to contribute to clinical training in Liberia while reconnecting with the country’s culture and heritage.
Abdullah Dweah a researcher originally from Saudi Arabia and graduate of Clark Atlanta University, spoke about the project’s human dimension stating, “I was raised with values of equality, humanity, and dignity. Working in Liberia with this incredible team is a reflection of those values. This mission is about sharing knowledge and uplifting communities through science and compassion.”
The Operations and Biospecimens Manager at Morehouse, Eddie Stanley said, “What I witnessed at JFK Hospital was deeply moving. The dedication and compassion of the staff show that the people of Liberia are ready to lead their own transformation. We are here to support that journey.”
John McGill recognized in the U.S. as a Rose Health Equity Champion—is one of the key medical leaders in the effort.
He highlighted the initiative’s surgical and community outreach components.
“Our work began over a year ago, when we shipped tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of surgical supplies to JFK to help establish a pediatric urology program,” he noted.
He said, “Since then, we’ve provided PPE, biomedical freezers, and other essential resources. But the heart of the mission is in the field reaching communities, raising awareness, and ensuring access.”
McGill also stressed the importance of data in addressing the disease. “We can’t effectively fight prostate cancer without knowing the true scope of the problem. That’s why research, combined with education and outreach, is central to our approach.”
The initiative is the creation of an educational pipeline to train the next generation of Liberian medical researchers and clinicians, ensuring sustainability and local leadership in health innovation.
