Health Minister Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto is confident of transforming Liberia’s crippled Heath Sector, expressing her commitment to the process.
(November 12, 2024, Monrovia, Liberia)– The Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, has reaffirmed her commitment to transforming Liberia’s health sector by prioritizing community health services, strengthening human resource capacity, and ensuring essential healthcare access for every citizen.
In an address to key stakeholders, partners, and community representatives at the Community Health event held in Monrovia, Dr. Kpoto called for the urgent need for community engagement and health equity to confront the nation’s ongoing health challenges.
Dr. Kpoto emphasized the significance of direct community involvement, marking a shift from the former practice of ministerial visits focused on county seats.
“During my county tour, I chose to meet with community leaders and health workers directly on the ground. I wanted to see firsthand what we inherited as a government and where improvements are needed,” she stated.
Her approach surfaced numerous innovative ideas and insights from community health workers, whom Dr. Kpoto described as being closest to the issues faced in remote areas.
“These individuals feel the struggles of those unable to reach essential services,” she added.
Throughout her recent tour in the southeastern region, Dr. Kpoto visited over fifty health centers, engaging with local leaders to establish a collaborative path forward.
She underscored the importance of amplifying the voices of grassroots leaders who hold unique solutions to the barriers preventing quality healthcare access.
Despite progress, Dr. Kpoto noted that Liberia still faces high maternal mortality rates and other pressing health challenges, which she identified as areas requiring immediate, sustained focus.
The Ministry has been actively collaborating with agencies like the Civil Service Agency (CSA) and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) to formalize the roles of Community Health Services Supervisors (CHSS) and improve welfare for volunteer health workers.
“As someone from an advocacy background, I understand the need to prioritize health worker welfare. Increasing salaries and support for volunteer health workers will be a key focus in the next budget cycle,” she affirmed.
Dr. Kpoto also expressed gratitude to partner organizations, including Care Liberia, Last Mile Health, Global Fund, Plan International, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), at the event for their commitment to supporting Liberia’s health sector. These organizations reinforced their dedication to advancing Liberia’s health objectives through the National Community Health Program (NCHP), which emphasizes equitable, community-centered services.
The NCHP policy outlines eight guiding principles, including health equity, decentralization, community engagement, and evidence-based, cost-effective interventions.
As part of this strategy, the Ministry aims to expand training, mentorship, and career advancement for health workers, ensuring quality care nationwide.
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Kpoto emphasized the shared responsibility to transform these engagements into tangible improvements for Liberians. “We’re not just here to discuss policies but to make a real difference in the lives of the Liberian people,” she declared.
The Minister reiterates her commitment to a people-centered approach that values and amplifies community voices. This dedication will guide the Ministry’s efforts to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare system for all Liberians.-Press release.
