"The ICRC is supporting the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in its efforts to improve the quality of health care," explained Dr Sara Beneit, the ICRC's health coordinator. "As a result of this donation, more residents will have access to medical services."

Over the last five years, the ICRC has rebuilt 14 health-care facilities in Lofa county, Grand Kru county and greater Monrovia which were destroyed during the war. In addition, it has continued to help the health ministry prevent disease by funding immunization programmes and mosquito-net distribution at these facilities and elsewhere.

The ICRC will maintain its support for the health ministry until the end of the year, supplying these facilities with essential drugs and equipment, and helping the ministry train and retain health workers.