Science Meets Solidarity as Morehouse Medical Delegation Joins Liberia’s Fight Against Prostate Cancer

By Desmond Gbeleh Wion

Capitol Hill, Monrovia – In a powerful demonstration of cross-continental solidarity and scientific cooperation, a distinguished biomedical research team from Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Heart Foundation has arrived in Liberia to launch a groundbreaking health equity initiative. The delegation, led by prostate cancer research specialist Dr. Adama Sirleaf, aims to strengthen Liberia’s fight against prostate cancer—one of the most overlooked but deadly health challenges among Black men globally.

Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia, Dr. Sirleaf emphasized that prostate cancer continues to disproportionately affect men of West African descent, often with more aggressive forms detected at earlier stages. She introduced Mr. Mathew Wulukau, who reinforced the urgency of targeted interventions, stressing the global responsibility to bridge health disparities through research and policy.

Dr. Sirleaf’s team’s visit represents an expansion of their work beyond U.S. borders, ensuring that the scientific advancements and advocacy championed in the United States benefit communities across the African diaspora—especially in Liberia.

Adding momentum to the delegation is Dr. Abduz-Reed, a Saudi-born scientist and alumnus of Clark Atlanta University whose PhD thesis centers on prostate cancer. His presence in Liberia reflects not only scientific interest but also a profound humanitarian mission. Dr. Abduz-Reed described the initiative as a fusion of science and service, rooted in principles of dignity, equity, and shared global responsibility.

Eddie Stanley, biospecimen and operations manager for the mission, lauded the professionalism of Liberian health institutions, particularly JFK Hospital, where engagements began in November 2023. He affirmed the team’s readiness to support Liberia’s medical system with logistics, training, and supplies aimed at enhancing cancer detection and treatment capabilities.

This international collaboration marks the launch of a multipronged biomedical research program with four key pillars: the introduction of genetic and molecular prostate cancer research to Liberia to understand local disease patterns; widespread community outreach and awareness campaigns to improve early detection; infrastructure support through the donation of 65 boxes of PPE, surgical tools, an exam table, and four biomedical research devices; and the development of sustainable education pipelines through partnerships with JFK Hospital and Dogliotti College of Medicine.

The arrival of the Morehouse delegation signals the dawn of a new era in U.S.–Liberia health cooperation. By aligning scientific rigor with a community-centered approach, the partnership stands as a beacon of what global public health should aspire to be—compassionate, collaborative, and committed to equity.

Expressing their appreciation for the warm welcome, the team pledged their continued dedication to mutual learning and a shared vision of building a healthier, stronger future for Liberia.