By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor
Liberia’s ambitious five-year healthcare program, aimed at reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates and improving overall healthcare delivery, is now on hold following the United States government’s decision to cease all aid to the nation.
The abrupt withdrawal has left health authorities scrambling for alternative funding sources to rescue the sector from potential collapse.
The $900 million healthcare initiative, launched to significantly enhance family planning services and strengthen community support, was anticipated to foster partnerships with NGOs and bolster private sector involvement.
However, with the US – traditionally Liberia’s largest bilateral donor – pulling out of the program, the future of the initiative hangs in the balance.
Assistant Health Minister for Policy, George Jacobs, expressed deep concern over the situation Tuesday in the capital Monrovia.
“If there is a complete freeze of resources, it will definitely cause a lot of issues.” Jacobs said. “We hope that the situation can be resolved soon so that we can continue receiving support.”
The official said there is urgent need for resolution, warning that persistent aid cuts would critically impact the health sector.
Historically, the United States has played a vital role in Liberia’s healthcare funding, contributing significantly to the health sector and the Global Fund to fight diseases since the end of the civil war in 2003.
Over the past two decades, international aid has been crucial in areas such as maternal and infant health, HIV/AIDS treatment, and overall public health initiatives. Notably, maternal mortality has decreased from 1,200 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2007 to approximately 607 in 2020, partially attributable to external funding and support.
In a bid to fill the gap left by the US, the French government has announced its intention to step up healthcare assistance in Liberia.
French Ambassador Isabelle Le Guellec highlighted the ongoing health challenges faced by the Liberian population, noting that while vaccination rates for children have significantly improved from 33% in 2000 to 51% today, there is still a pressing need to address issues of access and quality in health services.
Le Guellec pointed out the mortality rate for children under five, which, despite some improvement—falling from 194 to 93 deaths per 1,000 live births—remains alarmingly high. “Health remains one of the main issues that the Liberian population faces,” she remarked, referencing the complexities outlined in the recently launched ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
In light of these developments, the French government is set to implement new projects aimed at bolstering Liberia’s health system. The “Better Health Outcomes for Liberians (BEHOL)” and “Harnessing Effective Approaches on Leadership, Coordination, and Training (HEALTH)” initiatives, backed by an €8 million grant from the French Development Agency (AFD), will focus on structural reforms and preparedness for health crises over the next three years.
The projects aim to strengthen health systems in Montserrado, Nimba, and Margibi counties. Ambassador Le Guellec reaffirmed France’s commitment to continue supporting Liberia’s health agenda at both national and local levels, saying, “We look forward to working closely with Liberian authorities to implement the new agenda in the health sector.”
Health officials remain hopeful that increased collaboration with international allies including the French government, may yet prevent a wider healthcare collapse in Liberia.