www.mercyships.org.uk/trustee-awarded-african-honour-0 -
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Published on: 3/13/2009
Last Visited: 4/14/2009
Ann Gloag, co-founder of the transport company Stagecoach and trustee of Mercy Ships UK, has been admitted into the Order of the Star of Africa with the grade of Commander, in recognition of her support for the people and the country of Liberia.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, Africa's first and only female President, honoured Ann Gloag on 11th March at a ceremony attended by the Vice President, members of the national legislature, cabinet ministers, diplomats, UN officials and staff of the JFK Hospital.
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The investiture followed a dedication ceremony at the JFK Hospital in the capital Monrovia to celebrate the reconstruction of the west wing of the hospital which was funded by Ann Gloag through The Gloag Foundation.
The renovation, which cost approximately $1.2million, will help restore a range of health care services to a country that was devastated by 14 years of civil war and is the first step in the JFK Hospital regaining its pre-war status as one of Africa's top teaching hospitals.
Speaking at the ceremony yesterday, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said: "Ann Gloag's support is a demonstration of the power of those who care.
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"The honour of the Order of the Star of Africa is a special recognition of the contribution Ann Gloag has made in support of the country and its people."
As part of the renovation, a dedicated surgical unit to treat women suffering from obstetric fistula has been established at the request of Ann Gloag who set up the Freedom From Fistula Foundation last year.
Obstetric fistula is a devastating condition that renders women incontinent after prolonged and obstructed childbirth yet is treatable and curable in more than 85% of cases.
Speaking about receiving her honour and the JFK Hospital project, Ann Gloag said: "I am deeply honoured to receive this award.