By: Ben T.C. Brooks
River Gee County | Jan. 23, 2026 | Medical Doctor Sumo M. Waiwaiku has officially assumed duties as the new Chief Medical Director – CMD of the Fish-Town Referral Hospital, succeeding Dr. Luah Meshach Yardanmah, who recently resigned from the Ministry of Health.
The leadership transition was formally concluded during a well-attended turnover ceremony held on January 21, 2026, at the Fish-Town Referral Hospital, the only referral medical facility in River Gee County.
The ceremony brought together hospital Administrators, County Health Authorities, medical professionals, and other stakeholders within the health sector.
Speaking during the program, Dr. Waiwaiku expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across the county.
He emphasized the importance of unity, teamwork, and effective coordination among hospital staff.
“Together, we can strengthen the county’s health system. Let us put politics aside and work in the best interest of our citizens,” Dr. Waiwaiku stated.
Dr. Waiwaiku further disclosed plans to engage relevant government institutions and partners to ensure that key volunteer health workers are absorbed onto the national payroll, noting that such a move would significantly boost staff morale, accountability, and service delivery.
Also speaking at the event, Fish-Town Referral Hospital Administrator Desmond S.K. Campbell welcomed the new CMD and called on all staff members to support his leadership by remaining focused on professionalism and patient care rather than political or personal differences.
Campbell noted that Dr. Waiwaiku is no stranger to the institution, having served under previous medical directors.
He stressed that this experience positions him well to understand the hospital’s operational challenges and opportunities.
“His familiarity with the system places him in a strong position to lead effectively and build upon existing progress,” Campbell said.
Meanwhile, River Gee County Health Officer Dr. Pauline Weah Medeh described Dr. Waiwaiku’s appointment as a positive and timely development for the county’s health sector.
She expressed optimism that the transition would contribute to improved medical services and better health outcomes for residents.
Dr. Medeh further encouraged collaboration between hospital leadership, county health authorities, and national partners to address longstanding challenges facing healthcare delivery in River Gee County.
The Fish-Town Referral Hospital serves as a critical healthcare hub for the county and surrounding areas, making the leadership transition, a milestone in ongoing efforts to strengthen medical services and public health systems in southeastern Liberia.
