Alumni Profile: Allen Zomonway

Hospital Administrator Allen Zomonway and staff consider inventory at Ganta United Methodist Mission Hospital, Ganta, Liberia.

Allen Zomonway, a registered nurse and the hospital administrator at Ganta United Methodist Mission in Liberia, holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from AU. He recently earned a master’s degree in Leadership from Oklahoma City University in the United States.

Liberia’s already-high unemployment rate has been compounded by the pandemic. Focusing on community health, Allen ensures that the entire staff, from medical doctors to cleaners, continue to navigate the challenges presented by this pandemic.

As of January 15, 2021, Worldometer reported Liberia having 1,878 cases, 84 deaths, with 1,170 recoveries. As COVID-19 cases are diagnosed, patients are referred to county health isolation centers.

“Diversified support,” Zomonway said, “has helped strengthen our infection prevention and control measures, positioning Ganta Hospital as a providential safety net.” However, in the last few months, the pandemic has increased the shortage of infection prevention control supplies, especially gloves and masks.

“These supplies are being searched for from individuals because they are no more available in the pharmacies,” he explained. “If they are found the cost is four times the original price.

“Most hospitals are practically not functioning because of the shortage of medicine and medical supplies. Ganta Hospital is still active because we have a strong drug revolving fund that the government and other private hospitals are learning from us. This is strictly keeping the fund for medicines and medical supplies for that purpose.”

Zomonway said the nurse aides, nurses and doctors are skilled and confident, building upon their experience from Ebola, coupled with their institutionalized infection prevention and control measures.