IPNEWS: Dr. Paul T. Whesseh, Medical Director of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Yekepa Hospital, has highlighted the hospital’s remarkable expansion in services and its growing impact on local communities over the past two years. He emphasized that the hospital has become a pillar of healthcare for residents, addressing pressing medical challenges and expanding its outreach to better serve those in need.A major component of the hospital’s work has been raising awareness about prevalent diseases such as Lassa Fever—a deadly illness transmitted by rats—and the continued threat of Malaria. These critical public health initiatives were introduced following the hiring of a dedicated Community Health Surveillance Officer (CHSO) , who has worked extensively to educate local populations on disease prevention and early intervention.
Beyond awareness, Yekepa Hospital has taken direct action to improve community health. Over the past year, the hospital conducted immunizations for children under five in Area O, ensuring that young lives are protected from preventable diseases. In 2024, a total of 1341 people were immunized against diseases and illnesses such as, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, and HPV (Human Papillomavirus)Additionally, the hospital played a significant role in malaria prevention by collaborating with the Nimba County Health Team to distribute treated mosquito nets throughout Yekepa Township, reducing the risk of transmission among families. During a recent year-end event, Dr. Whesseh shared an overview of the hospital’s extensive contributions, emphasizing its commitment to both local and employee health. He introduced the Employee Well-being Assistance Program, a psychosocial initiative designed to provide counseling and mental health support to employees, helping them maintain emotional and psychological well-being both at work and in their personal lives.
Any of its patients now being local residents. In 2024 alone, the facility recorded 18,699 daily clinical consultations, with 6,843 of those being non-AML staff, contractors, or their dependents. This increasing number underscores the hospital’s role as a vital healthcare provider for the broader community beyond company employees. To further enhance its capacity and build patient trust, Yekepa Hospital is making critical improvements. Dr. Whesseh announced that preparations for a fully functional operating theater are underway, ensuring that patients will soon have access to advanced surgical care. Additionally, the recruitment of a new General Surgeon and four nurses will bolster the hospital’s ability to provide life-saving procedures and improved medical attention to those in need.Speaking at the event, AML’s Chief Operations Officer, Anthony Kocken, representing CEO Michiel Van Der Merwe, expressed deep appreciation for the hospital’s management and staff, acknowledging their indispensable contributions to the company and the surrounding communities. Kocken also revealed that ongoing discussions with Global Mining CEO Kleber Silva aim to enhance operations at AML, improve production targets, and expand the company’s positive impact on local populations. He underscored that Yekepa Hospital remains a cornerstone of these efforts, playing a vital role in strengthening community health and well-being.The AML Yekepa Hospital will continue to serve those who are in need of healthcare support, and advancing with delivering essential medical services, disease prevention programs, and critical healthcare support to thousands of individuals each year.
