By Bridgett Milton
PAYNESVILLE, Liberia, August 5, 2026 – The Ministry of Health has opened its three-day National Health Review Conference in Paynesville, with a focus on introducing universal health insurance in Liberia.
The conference focuses on establishing a sustainable financing mechanism to reduce maternal and newborn deaths and expand equitable access to quality healthcare across Liberia.
The conference is being held under the theme, “Introducing Universal Health Insurance in Liberia: Financing Quality Maternal and Newborn Care for All.”
Speaking at the opening of the conference, Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto said this year’s theme is timely and strategic because universal health insurance would strengthen the nation’s health system while protecting its most vulnerable citizens.
“The implementation of universal insurance will strengthen our health system, protect every Liberian, especially the most vulnerable, and ensure that access to quality healthcare is based on need rather than the ability to pay,” Kpoto said.
She called on participants to ensure that the conference produces tangible outcomes, practical solutions, stronger accountability and decisive action to build a more resilient health system.
“I encourage all of us to move beyond simply presenting reports. We should identify practical solutions and commit ourselves to actions that will make our health system stronger,” she said.
Kpoto also thanked President Joseph N. Boakai for making the health sector a national priority.
Also speaking, Representative Nyan Flomo, chair of the House Committee on Education, reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to advancing universal health coverage and strengthening Liberia’s healthcare system through sustainable financing and legislative reforms.
Representative Flomo said universal health insurance is a moral imperative and a constitutional responsibility that requires collective action from all branches of government and development partners.
He said the House of Representatives stands ready to receive, review and act on the proposed Liberia Health Equity Fund for Universal Health Coverage Bill.
Flomo described the bill as one of the country’s most significant healthcare reform initiatives aimed at ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of First Lady Kartumu Y. Boakai, Dr. Adam M. Kyne, senior advisor to the First Lady, said Liberia cannot achieve meaningful national development while women continue to die from preventable pregnancy-related complications.
Kyne said the conference is more than a gathering of health professionals, describing it as a national examination of conscience on whether Liberia’s health system can protect its most vulnerable citizens.
