By Bill W. Cooper
The Finance and Administrative officer of Budgit Liberia, Miriam Jabula has named malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/ AIDS and maternal disorders as the leading causes of death across the country.
She stated that despite the strides made, the recent report states that the life-expectancy rate in the country is at 63 years, something she pointed out that if not addressed expeditiously could lead to more deaths in the coming year or so.
However, her assertion came as the country’s healthcare system is still faced with various systemic challenges; though its core abilities to detect and respond to infectious diseases have been improved since the 2015-16 Ebola outbreaks according to report.
Liberia’s healthcare system still depends heavily on international donor support, and many healthcare facilities are run by the government, donors, or through non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including faith-based organizations.
Generally, there is minimal private sector involvement in the health sector. In the national budgets for the fiscal years 2017-18 and 2018-19, the government appropriated 14% and 13%, respectively, to the health sector.
The sector is constrained by weak supply chain management, particularly in terms of distribution and storage of pharmaceuticals and other supplies, as well as limited human resources, particularly in terms of doctors, specialists, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians.
There is limited availability of essential genuine medical equipment and pharmaceutical products, and there are frequently reported stock outages, especially in areas of the country not currently supported by international donor agencies.
Speaking at an event marking the submission of the Health Sector Accountability Resolution Document, Jabula stated further that the World Health Organization (WHO) data also indicates that there are 0. 5 nurses and midwives per 1000 people in Liberia.
Madam Jabula asserted that the findings of Budgit Liberia indicate that the health sector in the country requires revamping in terms of policy and laws.
She then called on the Liberian government to recondition roads in rural areas for pregnant women and make sure that health workers be held accountable for their negligence during medical proceedings through the court.
Meanwhile, receiving the HSA Documents, the head Secretariat of Open Government Partner, Ralph Jimmeh called on Liberian politicians to desist from politicizing the country’s already fragile health sector.
He also urged Liberians to pressurize their lawmakers channel their contribution to the health sector through the National Budget and not by donation of Ambulances or medications.
