Liberia
Liberia’s healthcare system continues to recover from years of civil conflict, chronic underfunding, and a shortage of trained specialists. Services are concentrated in urban centers, and access to advanced medical care remains a major challenge for many families. Pediatric care is particularly underdeveloped, with limited facilities, few specialized providers, and a shortage of trained surgeons able to address complex neurological conditions in children.
To help close this gap, NeuroKids launched its Liberia program in 2025 in partnership with John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Center in Monrovia. The program focuses on building local capacity for safe, high-quality treatment of hydrocephalus and spina bifida. This includes training and mentorship for Liberian neurosurgeons, perioperative support to improve patient outcomes, and the introduction of innovative surgical techniques such as the Warf procedure (ETV/CPC).
A key component of this work is the launch of a remote presence mentorship program in partnership with Ohana One and TeleVU. Launched in March 2025, the program has connected NeuroKids mentors with Dr. Alvin Doe in Liberia, providing real-time guidance and support during surgery and post-operative care. The Liberia program is laying the foundation for sustainable, locally led pediatric neurosurgery.
Number of children who have received hydrocephalus surgeries since NeuroKids intervention:
21 Children
Since September 2025
Partner Hospitals
M O N R O V I A
Liberia Team
Dr. Alvin Doe
NEUROSURGEON
Dr. Alvin Nah Doe is Liberia’s first neurosurgeon and was the sole specialist in the country for more than six years, leading both the teaching and practice of neurosurgery. Today, he and one colleague provide neurosurgical care for a population of more than five million — far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of one neurosurgeon per 200,000 people.
Dr. Doe has played a pivotal role in advancing neurosurgical services in Liberia. In 2019, he and a team of Liberian doctors, nurses, and nurse anesthetists performed the country’s first successful brain tumor removal surgery at John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFKMC) using an all-Liberian team.
After working for three years as a general practitioner in rural Liberia, Dr. Doe began his neurosurgery residency at the National University Teaching Hospital of Fann, University of Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, Senegal. He returned home in 2017 to launch Liberia’s first neurosurgery service at the Jackson F. Doe Regional Referral Hospital in Nimba County, where he helped install the country’s first CT scanner — a critical milestone for neurosurgical care. In 2019, he moved to John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia to expand national neurosurgical and radiology services.
Awena Hill
NURSE
Born and raised in Liberia, Awena G. Hill is a licensed registered nurse with more than 11 years of clinical experience. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Professional Nursing from the Smythe Institute of Management and Technology in 2011 and has dedicated her career to delivering compassionate, high-quality care to patients.
Awena’s commitment to her profession has been widely recognized. In 2019, she was honored as one of the most hardworking nurses at John F. Kennedy Medical Center for her dedication and tireless efforts to support patients and colleagues alike. Guided by a deep love for people, she continues to uphold the highest standards of patient care and professional integrity in every aspect of her work.
Awena joined NeuroKids in April 2025, where she brings her skill, compassion, and leadership to the care of children and families affected by hydrocephalus and spina bifida.
Get Support
NeuroKids partners with local public and private children’s hospitals and individual surgeons to help build the skills and systems to better address hydrocephalus and spina bifida.
We train and support neurosurgeons in The Warf procedure using today’s technology to close the gap in surgical training and promote best practices in treatment and care. Through both in-person and remote technology, as well as equipment and supplies, we ensure practical training at scale, saving time and money.
Please reach out to learn how we can support your hospital with pediatric neurosurgical training and supplies, enabling your team to provide proven services and ensure children with hydrocephalus and spinal bifida receive the most effective care.
Donate
Donate now and join us in our mission to make it possible for children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida to live longer and better lives. Together, we can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.
