Liberia has officially launched the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7), securing a staggering $117.5 million in funding to combat HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria epidemics.
At the July 11 event in Monrovia President Joseph Boakai highlighted government’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for all Liberians.
“The Global Fund has been an invaluable partner to Liberia over the years, supporting our nation’s development agenda by contributing tirelessly to our healthcare system, providing crucial support in our fight against these deadly diseases,” he said.
The GC7 grant is seen as a testament to the Global Fund’s dedication to improving health in countries like Liberia, where the need is great and the challenges numerous.
This substantial investment will not only consolidate the gains made over the years but also strengthen and accelerate the national response to these infectious diseases, Boakai said.
The President emphasized that the fight against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach.
The GC7 grant will enable Liberia to enhance its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts, as well as invest in strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and supply chain management systems.
“We will continue to prioritize the training and capacity-building of our healthcare professionals, ensuring they have the skills and resources needed to provide high-quality care,” the President said.
The President called upon all stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to join in this critical endeavor, working towards a healthier and more prosperous future for all Liberians.
Liberia is amongst 30 countries with the highest TB burden and only 43 % of new cases are tested for drug resistance. The burden of infectious diseases in this West African country has increased alarmingly in the past 20 years as a consequence of the civil war and the Ebola outbreak, both crippling the health-care system and deteriorating TB programs.
According to the UNAIDS 2022 Spectrum estimates, more than 34, 000 persons are living with HIV in Liberia. Montserrado, Margibi, and Grand Bassa counties continue to have the highest HIV prevalence among the 15 counties, accounting for about 70% of the HIV burden.
The AIDS Commission said it will join partners during the commemoration of the day to showcase progress being made in the country’s National HIV and AIDS response and highlight challenges that require redress by policymakers and key stakeholders in ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
Liberia and the rest of the world are implementing a strategy in ensuring that by 2030, 95% of persons living with HIV will know their status, 95% of those tested positive will get on treatment and 95% of Persons living with HIV on treatment will have a suppressed viral load.
