Paynesville – The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has launched a week-long workshop to assess and validate the financial sustainability of Liberia’s healthcare system.
By Webster Clayeh, [email protected]
The event, held at the Golden Key Hotel in Paynesville, focuses on the Liberia Health Equity Fund (LHEF) and the Liberia Social Health Insurance Scheme, which are vital components of the country’s push toward universal health coverage.
The workshop brings together policymakers, development partners, and government officials to evaluate Liberia’s health financing policy and determine its long-term viability.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister for Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Health, Malayah T. Chieyoe, stressed the importance of a resilient healthcare system for national development. “A healthy population is the foundation of any development you’re thinking about. Without a healthy population, forget about development,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare for all Liberians.
Scarlet Longsti, Universal Health Coverage Financing and Planning Specialist at Partners in Health (PIH), expressed her appreciation for the government’s efforts. “Liberia is making intentional progress toward universal health coverage. PIH remains committed to supporting the government at every step of the way,” she affirmed.
Nathaniel Kwabo, Director of Cabinet, underscored that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right. “Every Liberian, regardless of their background, must have access to healthcare,” he said, adding that the impact of poor healthcare financing, which leads to preventable deaths, must change.
Representative of Maryland County and Chair on the House’s Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance, P. Mike Jurry, pledged support from the Legislature for the initiative. “We will work with the Ministry of Finance to ensure money is available for this crucial program,” he said.
George P. Jacobs, Assistant Minister for Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Health, outlined the purpose of the validation process. “We are here to validate the actuarial analysis for the Liberia Health Equity Fund. This is essential in determining how we can sustainably finance universal health coverage,” he explained.
Jacobs presented sobering statistics on Liberia’s health sector, revealing a significant financing gap. “Out-of-pocket payments account for 63% of healthcare spending. In 2025, the government will allocate $91 million to health, while anticipated donor funds stand at $81 million. However, the actual need is over $458 million,” he disclosed.
He also highlighted the shortage of skilled health workers and other critical challenges in service delivery, such as limited hospital beds, inadequate sanitation in health facilities, and unreliable electricity supply.
Jacobs stressed the urgency of health financing reforms, noting that the lives of millions of Liberians depend on it.
“We must ensure that Liberia does not contribute to the global statistic of 500 million people falling into poverty annually due to healthcare costs,” he added, calling for innovative financing mechanisms and increased domestic resource mobilization.
