Liberia Health Ministry, University of Liberia Break Ground for Medical School Annex at Fendall Campus

Paynesville City, Liberia: Liberia: The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the University of Liberia, has officially broken ground for a new annex at the A.M. Dogliotti School of Medicine under the College of Health Sciences.

The ceremony was held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Fendall Campus, bringing together government officials, university administrators, development partners, faculty, and students to witness what has been described as a major milestone in Liberia’s health sector.

The project underscores the Ministry of Health’s continued commitment to strengthening infrastructure and academic programs within the College of Health Sciences. The new facility is expected to significantly improve teaching and learning conditions for medical students, while aligning Liberia’s medical education with international standards.

The A.M. Dogliotti School of Medicine, one of Liberia’s leading medical training institutions, has for years played a critical role in producing healthcare professionals who serve across the country. However, limited space, aging facilities, and increasing student enrollment have continued to challenge its capacity. The new annex is expected to address these constraints and expand training opportunities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister for Administration Martha Morris, representing the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed government’s support for the initiative, noting that the expansion will help close long-standing gaps in healthcare training and service delivery.

She disclosed that the facility will accommodate over 471 medical students and, upon completion, will serve as a center for medical research and innovation.

“This project represents a strategic investment in Liberia’s health future. It is about expanding opportunity, strengthening training, and ensuring that our health system is supported by highly skilled professionals,” she stated.

She added that strengthening medical education is key to reducing reliance on foreign medical services and improving access to quality healthcare across the country.

The project is being supported by Catholic Relief Services and other development partners, including the Global Fund, as part of broader efforts to strengthen Liberia’s health system and medical education sector.

Officials also noted that the new facility will help address critical challenges in healthcare delivery, including shortages of trained health professionals and limited access to specialized services, particularly in rural communities.

University of Liberia Vice President for Administration, Dr. Agnes  Taylor, described the groundbreaking as a historic achievement for both the university and Liberia.

She emphasized that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right and stressed the need for continuous investment in training, infrastructure, and knowledge development.

“Today marks more than the start of construction; it reflects our shared commitment to transforming healthcare education and building a stronger system for future generations,” Dr.  Taylor said.

She further praised the strong collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the Global Fund, Catholic Relief Services, and other partners, noting that such partnerships are vital to strengthening the national health system.

Dr.  Taylor officially turned over the project site on behalf of the University of Liberia, signaling the formal commencement of construction.

Students of the A.M. Dogliotti School of Medicine welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that the new annex will improve their academic and clinical training experience.

A student representative described the project as a long-awaited improvement to the learning environment, adding that students are prepared to support construction efforts by providing basic medical assistance to workers on site.

The annex is expected to serve as a hub for medical training, research, and innovation, and further position the University of Liberia’s College of Health Sciences as a regional center of excellence.

The project forms part of ongoing national efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and ensure sustainable investment in human resource development within Liberia’s health sector.