Modern Canoe Gives Remote Community Access to Health Care

Residents of Puluken-a remote, tropical village-have long struggled with accessing health care services due to a narrow, yet daunting river. The rainy season is especially challenging, as the river swells making it nearly impossible to cross.

This geographical obstacle was a major barrier to accessing Partners In Health (PIH)-supported J.J. Dossen Memorial Hospital; and has contributed to health disparities in the community for decades.

Now, a modern canoe is turning the tide giving individuals and families access to the hospital, food markets, and more in Harper, Liberia.

In collaboration with the Maryland County health team and the Puluken community, PIH Liberia conceptualized and built the motorized boat. Officially named the "Puluken Town Canoe," the watercraft-which doubles the speed of the manually pedaled canoe about 5 times-is dedicated to the more than 400 residents living there. In June, the 15-seat canoe began making daily trips-about three minutes each way-across the Hoffman River.

The Puluken Town Canoe heads toward Harper, Liberia. Photo by Ansumana O. Sesay / PIH

A Lifeline of Hope

For years, a small, old canoe was owned and used by the village to transport sick people, pregnant women, and others across the river. In early 2023, that boat capsized due to severe leakage and was damaged beyond repair. In turn, residents relied on individuals with privately-owned canoes to taxi them for around $1.05 per round trip. In a community where most people farm and live on less than $2.15 per day, affordability is a challenge.

"Whenever it's getting dark, if someone gets sick, all we have to do is pray and wait for God," says Dweh Baker, chief of Puluken. "You wait for God to take you, or you pray to make it until the morning."

Recognizing this injustice, PIH Liberia made an agreement with the Puluken community to improve access to the main city. The local government provided wood and other local materials. PIH Liberia purchased the boat engine, accessories, and covered the cost of workmanship. Upon completion of the canoe, it was presented to the community during a handover ceremony, and accepted by Baker on behalf of Puluken.

"This canoe means a lot to us. Our pregnant women and mothers will use it to go for their vaccines and other health services; and farmers will use it to transport their produce to markets," says Baker.

Moreover, students celebrating the dedication of the canoe said that their teachers-most of whom live in Harper-now have a safer means of crossing the river to get to school.

With the new canoe and when health emergencies happen at night, the Puluken community won't need to pray and wait for God anymore.