Foya, Lofa County – July 29, 2025 The people of Lofa County witnessed a milestone in healthcare delivery on Saturday as Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah officially dedicated the newly established JNB Eye Care Center in Foya. The facility, built through the support of ICM Africa Eye Health Service, is expected to transform access to essential eye care for thousands of residents in the region.
For decades, communities in rural Lofa have struggled with limited medical services, forcing many to travel long distances to access even the most basic eye treatment. The launch of the JNB Eye Care Center marks a significant step toward closing that gap.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony, Deputy Speaker Fallah described the facility as a much‑needed lifeline for rural Liberians.
“For too long, residents in this part of Lofa have had to travel miles just to receive simple eye treatment,” Fallah said. “This center is a step toward changing that reality and ensuring that our people no longer suffer in silence from preventable eye conditions.”
The new center is equipped to provide routine eye checkups, treatments for common vision problems, and preventive care aimed at reducing avoidable blindness. With many in the region suffering from untreated eye diseases due to the lack of nearby facilities, the center is expected to serve thousands annually.
Fallah emphasized that the opening of the JNB Eye Care Center is “just the beginning” of broader healthcare improvements planned for underserved counties. He praised the collaboration with ICM Africa Eye Health Service, which he described as a “God‑sent” partner in the fight against health inequities in Liberia.
“This is a game‑changer for our people,” Fallah said. “The JNB Eye Care Center is not just a building—it is a symbol of hope and a promise that healthcare will no longer be a privilege reserved for a few, but a right accessible to all.”
Community Impact and Gratitude
Residents of Foya and nearby towns welcomed the initiative with joy and relief. For many, the new center represents the end of years of hardship in seeking basic medical attention.
Local leaders praised the Deputy Speaker’s role in making the project a reality, noting that the center would not only improve health outcomes but also restore dignity to those long neglected by the healthcare system.
“With this center, many of our parents, children, and elders will finally have the chance to receive proper treatment without the financial and physical burden of traveling to Monrovia or other distant cities,” one community elder remarked.
According to global health statistics, nearly 80% of blindness worldwide is preventable or curable, primarily through timely access to treatment and preventive care. In Liberia, however, access to specialized eye services has been severely limited, especially in rural areas. The establishment of the JNB Eye Care Center is therefore being hailed as a critical step in addressing this gap.
By offering screenings, corrective treatments, and education on eye health, the center is expected to reduce the prevalence of preventable blindness and vision impairment in Lofa County.
A Call for More Healthcare Investment
Deputy Speaker Fallah used the occasion to call for more investments in rural healthcare. He noted that while the JNB Eye Care Center is a significant achievement, much more remains to be done to ensure equitable healthcare across Liberia.
“Our people deserve better, and this center shows what can be achieved when we prioritize health,” he said. “We must continue to build on this momentum and ensure that every Liberian, regardless of where they live, has access to quality healthcare services.”
As the center officially opens its doors, residents of Foya and beyond are hopeful that the facility will not only provide immediate relief but also pave the way for additional health projects in the region.
The dedication of the JNB Eye Care Center stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and commitment to improving lives. For Lofa County, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in healthcare access, one that promises to restore sight, dignity, and hope to thousands of Liberians.
Courtesy DN News
