University of Liberia
[Remarks as Prepared]
I wish to acknowledge the Minister of Health, Dr. Wilhemina Jallah, the President of the University of Liberia, Dr. Sarwolo Nelson, the Vice President, UL College of Health Sciences, Dr. Bernice Dahn, Acting Dean of the A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine, Dr. Lawrence Sherman, and all esteemed faculty and others who have participated in this important work, as well as the U.S. Government’s implementing partners with whom we are administering these programs. Today we celebrate what our great countries can achieve together.
Today is an especially proud moment as we stand at the intersection of several different partnerships between the United States and Liberia.
First, there is the USAID-funded Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research, or PEER/Liberia. This project is working to strengthen medical education both at the undergraduate and residency levels.
Then, there is the Resilient & Responsive Health Systems Initiative, funded by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, and administered by the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration. This initiative supports classroom and clinical training for physicians, nurses, midwives, and health managers.
And now, the Bringing Research to Impact for Development, Global Engagement, and Utilization (BRIDGE-U), also funded by USAID, is building off these initiatives to enrich faculty development and student-learning across the College of Health Sciences.
These projects are models of innovation and impact, demonstrating the tremendous change we can achieve through partnership and collaboration. Our U.S. university and other partners are working side-by-side with the University of Liberia and Tubman University, just as we at the Embassy work side-by-side with the Ministry of Health to reimagine medical education in Liberia.
The launch of the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Innovation is yet another great achievement that marks our long-standing partnership. The CTLI will serve as a gateway to modern health education technology for the next generation of essential health workers - doctors, nurses, administrators, and faculty. Most importantly, the CTLI will be a source of research information for entrepreneurs who are expected to improve their business initiatives using research-based evidence.
The U.S. government is proud of the many ways in which our assistance improves health outcomes for the Liberian people.
Strengthening the health workforce is a priority for every country, and as we’ve seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no time to waste. Strong leaders, competent clinicians, and innovative entrepreneurs need research information to prepare for and respond to pandemics such as the COVID-19. I am impressed with your innovative and strategic vision to establish the CTLI which serves this purpose.
In continuation of our strong partnership and collaboration, I am pleased to announce that the CTLI is officially launched!
Thank you