Foya, Lofa County – July 24, 2025 — In a move to strengthen access to essential healthcare services in rural Liberia, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. F. Sakila Nyumalin, Sr., has officially launched an eye screening program in Foya District, Lofa County. The initiative, spearheaded by the Interdenominational Christian Mission Africa, Inc. (ICM), underscores the government’s growing emphasis on public health equity, especially for underserved populations.
The program, launched with support from international partners including Great Faith Vision of the USA and the New Sight Eye Center, focuses on early detection and treatment of vision-related conditions. It seeks to mitigate preventable blindness and reduce the long-term healthcare costs associated with untreated eye diseases.
During the launch ceremony, Minister Nyumalin praised the collaborative spirit behind the initiative, noting its alignment with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s broader agenda to prioritize the well-being of Liberia’s citizens. He emphasized that partnerships between government institutions and faith-based or international organizations play a critical role in delivering health services to remote and often neglected communities.
Vision Care as Public Health Priority
“The eye is one of the most important organs of the human body,” Minister Nyumalin remarked, drawing attention to the urgency of early screenings and routine eye check-ups. He stressed that many vision problems, if diagnosed in time, can be corrected or managed to prevent permanent impairment. In rural Liberia, however, such preventive care is often inaccessible due to geographic, financial, or infrastructural barriers.
By offering free screening services, the initiative aims to fill this gap, allowing residents—particularly the elderly, low-income families, and children—to receive timely attention. The screenings will be conducted by trained professionals and include consultations, diagnostics, and referrals for further treatment if necessary.
Collaborative Health Delivery Model
Minister Nyumalin highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in expanding healthcare reach, applauding ICM and its global partners for their consistent dedication to community health. He also thanked local authorities and traditional leaders in Lofa for mobilizing support and facilitating access to the program.
This model of collaboration, he noted, can serve as a blueprint for future interventions in maternal health, nutrition, sanitation, and chronic disease management. “Health is the foundation of national development,” the Minister stated. “Programs like this help us build stronger, more resilient communities.”
Community Engagement and Impact
Addressing the residents of Foya, Minister Nyumalin encouraged citizens to take full advantage of the program, describing it as a rare opportunity to secure their health without the burden of medical costs. He called on families to spread awareness and ensure participation, particularly among those who may be suffering silently due to poor eyesight.
The launch was met with appreciation from community members, many of whom expressed relief at being able to access care they had long needed but could not afford.
As the program rolls out across Lofa County, it is expected to screen hundreds of residents in the coming weeks, contributing to a broader effort to improve health outcomes in Liberia’s rural districts. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has pledged continued support for similar community-focused health interventions in the future.
