(Monrovia, Liberia, May 13, 2025)– The Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts (TNIMA) has launched three new academic programs, including Nurse Anesthesia, Perioperative Technician, and Radiography, to address the increasing need for skilled healthcare professionals in Liberia.
The official launch ceremony, held at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFKMC), brought together senior government officials, international development partners, healthcare leaders, and members of the public. It is part of a national effort to improve maternal and general health outcomes across the country.
Dr. Adam Kyne, Senior Advisor and Head of Project in the Office of the First Lady, served as chief launcher of the new programs.
“This is not just a building—it is a declaration, a national promise that no mother should die while giving life,” Dr. Kyne emphasized in his address.
He noted that the new programs aim to close gaps in the healthcare system by building a well-trained, resilient workforce.
“This launch represents a movement toward sustainable health transformation through education and service,” he added.
Speaking at the event, John F. Kennedy Medical Center Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Linda A. Birch, praised TNIMA’s longstanding contribution to medical education in Liberia.
“We are proud to be the nation’s teaching hospital. JFK is not just a hospital, it is Liberia’s pride,” she said.
Dr. Birch disclosed the growing demand for specialized care and urged greater investment in health education and infrastructure.
World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative Dr. Olu Olushayo Oluseun described the launch as a critical step in enhancing healthcare access.
“Liberia’s core health workforce density is just 11 per 10,000 people, only 20% of the Sustainable Development Goal target,” he pointed out.
He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting the Ministry of Health with both policy guidance and technical assistance.
TNIMA Administrator Mrs. Sarah G.B. Kollie outlined the goals of the new academic offerings.
“These programs are designed to train competent professionals equipped to handle real-time emergencies and save lives,” she stated.
She emphasized that TNIMA is committed to meeting international training standards.
In addition to launching new programs, TNIMA also unveiled a state-of-the-art simulation laboratory to enhance practical training for nursing and midwifery students.
The facility, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP) and Human Resources for Health (HRH) project, allows students to experience real-life healthcare scenarios in a controlled environment.
Janet O. Paye, a midwife and veteran instructor at TNIMA, explained the lab’s significance.
“It provides a safe space for students to repeatedly practice clinical procedures, from basic patient care to complex childbirth emergencies, helping build their confidence and skills,” she said.
The laboratory is equipped with advanced medical mannequins, birthing simulators, diagnostic tools, and emergency response setups that replicate real patient interactions. These tools enable students to practice a wide range of procedures, including prenatal assessments, delivery techniques, neonatal care, and postnatal management.
Students in TNIMA’s nursing and midwifery programs will now undergo a structured, hands-on training regimen in the simulation laboratory throughout their academic years.
The launch ceremony concluded with a musical performance by TNIMA faculty and a guided tour of the newly commissioned facilities, which are expected to accommodate over 300 new trainees annually.
Established decades ago, TNIMA has trained more than 3,000 paramedical professionals and continues to play a vital role in Liberia’s healthcare delivery system. Its programs in Environmental Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Physician Assistantship, and Laboratory Technology remain essential to strengthening the country’s health sector.