More than 25 volunteers from a United States-based humanitarian group, Feed the Children medical team, on Wednesday, December 2, paid a courtesy call on President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at the Foreign Ministry in Monrovia.

Speaking to the group, President Johnson Sirleaf welcomed the medical and humanitarian services offered to the people of Liberia. Its contribution, the Liberian leader said, addresses some of Liberia's health needs because it has reached critical areas of the country that lack adequate health care. The President described the volunteers' visit as motivation and encouragement for the people of Liberia, "knowing that they are on the right path and that there are people around the world who care for them."

Despite some progress in Liberia's health care delivery, the President cited the challenges Government faces in the health sector, which, she noted, is also encountering capacity constraints.

The President commended the head of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop David Daniels, for reaching beyond Liberia's borders to attract humanitarian support for the less fortunate in society. She also praised the work of the AME Church in helping Government meet some of its social obligations, and renewed Government's commitment in addressing the critical needs of its citizenry.

The head of the delegation, Dr. Larry Biehler, thanked the President for the progress her Government has made in the face of many challenges. "We have seen progress in Liberia that lights our spirits. We are thankful that your presidency is accomplishing good things," he acknowledged.

The Feed the Children medical team has been performing humanitarian and medical services in several areas, including rural communities in Grand Bassa, Rivercess, and Montserrado Counties.

The 25-member delegation, which comprises specialists in various medical fields, has come from more than 14 states in the United States of America. Its members took time off work to serve in a voluntary capacity, bearing the entire cost of their trip to Liberia. The team has spent nearly two weeks in the country.

The current visit by Feed the Children is its third to Liberia; its medical team has visited Liberia twice. The team left for the United States on December 2, following its visit with the President.