Since 2017, Mr. Alexander B. Cummings, Political Leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), has made significant strides in strengthening Liberia’s health sector through the Cummings Africa Foundation (CAF).
At the time, Liberia’s health system was still recovering from the long-term effects of civil conflict and the 2014 Ebola epidemic. Many public hospitals and clinics lacked basic medical equipment, severely limiting their ability to provide effective care—particularly outside Monrovia.
In response to these challenges, Mr. Cummings launched the CAF Health Infrastructure Support Project (CHISP), a US$565,000 initiative designed to strengthen referral and community-level health facilities across the country.
Unlike short-term relief efforts, CHISP focused on durable medical equipment to enhance long-term healthcare service delivery.
Under the program, CAF distributed essential medical equipment to six referral hospitals nationwide:
C.H. Rennie Hospital – Kakata, Margibi County
C.B. Dunbar Hospital – Gbarnga, Bong County
Government Hospital – Grand Bassa County
J.J. Dossen Hospital – Maryland County
Curran Lutheran Hospital – Zorzor, Lofa County
Gbeapo Health Center – Fish Town, River Gee County
Two clinics in Monrovia also benefited: Star of the Sea Clinic in West Point and Robert Moore Clinic in Johnsonville.
This geographic distribution reflects a deliberate effort to reach both urban and rural populations, including underserved southeastern and northern regions.
CHISP’s decentralized approach tackled regional inequities in healthcare access while strengthening the country’s referral hospitals, which handle complex cases from surrounding communities.
The provision of durable medical equipment improved diagnostic and treatment capacity, reduced preventable deaths, and boosted healthcare worker morale.
Public confidence in both government and mission-run health facilities also increased as a result of the initiative.
CHISP exemplifies a development-focused approach that prioritizes health systems strengthening rather than short-lived charity.
Through CAF, Mr. Cummings has applied private-sector efficiency to social investment, emphasizing measurable, sustainable outcomes that address Liberia’s critical healthcare needs.
