Ganta hospital administrator steps down

Victor Doolakeh Taryor, a United Methodist missionary, has left Ganta United Methodist Hospital after eight years as its administrator. He is planning to serve as a consultant.

During his tenure as administrator, he oversaw the hospital’s response to health problems rarely seen in the United States. These problems included fistula, often endured by women who have been raped multiple times, and the worst Ebola outbreak in history.

“UMC Ganta hospital is well prepared to respond to any Ebola outbreak more than we were when the Ebola virus first hit Liberia,” said Taryor, who is also co-chairperson of the Nimba County Ebola Task Force.

He joined the hospital’s staff in 1986 as a student. He rose through the ranks, holding the position of shift supervisor and later director of nursing services before becoming administrator.

Be sure to add the alt. text

Victor Doolakeh Taryor chats with Nora Keah, who will serve as interim administrator at Ganta United Methodist Hospital after Taryor’s departure. Photo by Julu Swen, UMNS.

In 2008, the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries commissioned Taryor as a missionary in its Global Health Missionary Program.

“Community service has always been my passion,” he told a gathering of Ganta Hospital staff and other United Methodists.

During the sending off service at Miller McAllister United Methodist Church, the Rev. James Z. Labala described Taryor as a faithful servant of the church. Labala, the former pastor on the church, is now superintendent of the Gompa district.

“Your faithfulness in doing small jobs will lead to greater responsibilities,” the pastor told Taryor.

The Rev. Samuel Quire, assistant to Liberia Area Bishop John Innis, credited Taryor with establishing a good working relationship between Ganta hospital and the nation’s Ministry of Health.

Nora Keah is now serving as interim administrator of the hospital until the United Methodist Church in Liberia can recruit a new administrator.

*Swen is editor and publisher of West African Writers, an online publication about United Methodist happenings in West Africa and assists the denomination in Liberia with coverage for United Methodist Communications.

News media contact: Vicki Brown, [email protected] or 615-742-5469.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Mission and Ministry
Patricia Petudzai Mapani lights a candle held by Tabitha Mushishi, The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe’s unit coordinator, during a memorial service for members of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women in Botswana in April 2025. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

United Methodist elected to worldwide role

“I am driven by passion to support, encourage, empower women and girls and being the voice of the voiceless.”
Global Health
Judith Yanga Osongo (left), director of communications for the East Congo Episcopal Area, raises awareness about Ebola prevention measures at a United Methodist church in Beni, Congo, in the Kivu Annual Conference. This grassroots communications campaign, jointly supported by United Methodist Communications and Global Ministries, includes distribution of posters and essential prevention messages in the areas affected by the Bundibugyo virus outbreak. Photo courtesy of the East Congo Episcopal Area.

Church builds on Ebola response in Congo

The United Methodist Church’s health coordination team is constructing a 50-bed treatment center and reaching thousands through a large-scale community response.
Global Health
Members of Bartee Pannoh United Methodist Church and community members celebrate during the dedication of a water well in the Karquekpo community in Sinoe County, Liberia. As part of its most recent outreach, the Liberia Conference provided 25 water wells, 15 gender-sensitive toilets and poly tanks to harvest rain water in rural communities where the church is present. Photo courtesy of the United Methodist Human Rights Monitor.

Church expands access to clean water in Liberia

Through its Water for Life initiative, the Liberia Conference is installing wells and sanitation facilities throughout the country to help reduce waterborne diseases and improve safety and equity for women and girls.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved