Word of Life International, a faith-based institution caters to old folks.
By Lincoln G. Peters
Paynesville, Liberia, April 10, 2024—Dozens of old folks in Pipeline Community, Paynesville, have received free medical checkups from Word of Life International (WOLI), a Christian-based organization.
The free medical checkup was provided early Monday, April 8, 2024, at the WOLI school facility inside a church building. Over 35 beneficiaries participated in the initiative. The exercise is in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) #4, which concentrates on ending poverty and leaving no one behind.
The project targets people aged 60 and above who are financially unable to meet their needs and wants.
During the exercise, WOLI conducted a medical examination for high blood pressure (BP), malaria, pause check, weight, and temperature and later recommended patients to the clinic for treatment.
The organization was established in 1998 with a branch in the United States. In 2018, it obtained Consultative Status with the United Nations, targeting old folks.
Its key vision is connecting all people with resources to restore community pride and encourage self-resilience.
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Since then, WOLI has been accredited as an international NGO by the Liberian government and engaged in various programs in the country with funding from its USA Office.
Speaking in an interview at the initiative site, Rebecca K.G Nyamndo, WOLI Agent Focus Person for Liberia, said the essence of the program is to care for old folks and elderly persons in terms of medication and food.
According to her, their concentration is on ensuring that older people sixty years of age and above are well taken care of in society to avoid discrimination and neglect.
We are providing this opportunity to our elderly folks aged sixty and above. We are doing this to help those who need medical attention but are financially incapacitated. Beneficiaries here are from the community and the church.
One of the beneficiaries, Ma Deddeh Vahweh, extolled WOLI for the gesture, which she termed as lifesaving and rewarding.
“My son, this checkup has made us know that we are moving around, but sick. I was checked today. They did my blood test, weight, and malaria. I want to tell WOLI to thank you but wish they add the medication to it to help us”, she pleaded.
Also speaking, Momo Peter and Mother Patience Paygar expressed separate excitement and urged the government to support the church’s effort.
“We thank God for this opportunity. We have been sick, but because we don’t have money to go to the hospital or clinic, so this has been eating us up. Today, we are checked freely and recommended medication. We want support for them so that they can give us medication because even to buy the drugs, we don’t have money”, they said. Editing by Jonathan Browne
