AML donates Medical Supplies to Grand Bassa County Health Team 

The donation will serve as a boost to the struggling public health sector in the county.

BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa, August 19, 2024 – ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), in partnership with PROJECT CURE, has donated a huge consignment of essential medical drugs and supplies to the Grand Bassa County Health team for use by the Buchanan Government Hospital and the Barsigiah Town Clinic.

The 40-foot shipping container of supplies contained more than 200 items, including bedding, modern medical equipment, and materials vital for the operation of medical facilities in the county.

AML Head of Sustainability and External Relations Marcus Wleh presented the consignment on Friday in Buchanan on behalf of the CEO, Michiel Vandermerwe.

Mr. Wleh underscored that the effort was part of AML’s many initiatives to support healthcare service delivery in its operating counties, and the continued partnerships with the government in addressing the general healthcare needs of Liberians.

“On behalf of ArcelorMittal, I like to present this 40ft container of medical supplies, which includes everything, from beddings to surgical gloves, equipment, and a long list of over 200 items. We love our hospital and trust that you will utilize these items to improve the quality of health services here. Thank you so much,” he said.

Mr. Wleh added that the donation represents a further demonstration of the company’s partnership with the government and noted that it is not the end of the partnership.

 “We are not doing it for you, we are doing it with you. That’s why Dr. Williams said we sat with you. You said I want this. In the past, people would say to take this one, but you decide what you want. So, there will be more things happening.”

However, ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Head of Sustainability and External Relations recognized that the continuous disruptions of the business, especially the vandalization of the company’s assets by people with grievances who choose to disregard established grievance management procedures in seeking redress, also affect the level of support to the communities.

“So, the time we will take when people get angry and damage the railroad, the money we will take to go and fix the railroad is money we should be spending on our community development efforts. So, we want to urge all Liberians that whatever grievance you have against anybody associated with ArcelorMittal, it is your company. Be constructive. The more constructive we are, the more time we will have to live in peace and protect our investments. The railroad is Liberia’s asset. It does not belong to ArcelorMittal. We are only managing it.”

Receiving the donation, Dr. Eric G. Gbanlon, Medical Director of the Liberia Government Hospital in Buchanan, thanked AML for the donation, terming it as a timely intervention.