By Grace Bryant Mollay
The Program Manager of the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), Trokon Washington, has revealed that Liberia has successfully reduced its malaria prevalence from a staggering 45% in2016 to just 17.7% in 2024—a landmark achievement made possible through coordinated, evidence-based interventions.
Speaking on ELBC Radio in Monrovia on April 22, Washington highlighted the country’s impressive progress and the ongoing efforts aimed at achieving a malaria-free Liberia.
Citing the 2024 World Health Report, he noted that Liberia was among three African countries recognized for significantly reducing malaria incidence—by 44% between 2017 and 2023.
“Our vision is to ensure a malaria-free and healthy Liberia,” Washington said. “We are committed to delivering life-saving interventions, ensuring counties receive the necessary anti- malaria commodities, and promoting widespread awareness and behavior change.”
According to Washington, Liberia’s malaria control strategy is based on a robust, multi-pronged framework.
The NMCP comprises several specialized units focusing on case management, integrated vector control, surveillance, social and behavior change communication, and private sector collaboration.
A key driver of success, he noted, has been the Behavioral Change Communication Unit, which has ramped up nationwide campaigns urging citizens to seek treatment within 24 hours of fever onset and encouraging pregnant women to attend antenatal care and take preventive malaria medication.
These messages are amplified through radio jingles, community outreach, and coordination with local leaders.
Despite distributing over 2 million insecticide-treated nets, Washington acknowledged that misuse remains a challenge.
“Some communities still use these nets for fishing or gardening,” he said. “Changing these behaviors takes time, but we are working closely with community leadersto stress the life-saving purpose of these nets.”
He also disclosed that Liberia has transitioned to dual-insecticide mosquito nets, which are moreeffective against resistant mosquito strains.
At a cost of $3.20 per net, this investment is significant, but with support from the Global Fund, millions of Liberians are being reached.
In a groundbreaking development, Liberia in 2024 became one of the first countries in the regionto introduce the malaria vaccine, targeting children in six high-burden southeastern counties.
The RTS,S vaccine, administered in four doses at 5, 6, 7, and 15 months, provides additional protection—reducing hospitalizations and preventing severe cases of malaria.
The vaccine rollout is supported by GAVI, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the U.S.
President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI). Liberia has received 112,000 doses so far, with plans already underway to expand the campaign to the remaining nine counties.
Washington emphasized that sustained funding is crucial to maintaining and expanding these gains.
“We support the Ministry of Health in mobilizing resources through the Global Fund and Liberia’s Country Coordinating Mechanism.
PMI and USAID have been invaluable partners in supporting routine net distribution for pregnant women and other malaria control efforts.”
These resources also support the training of healthcare workers, provision of diagnostic tools, and the overall strengthening of the health system.
Washington stressed, “Malaria control isn’t just a health sector issue. We need the involvement of infrastructure, education, and rural development sectors to reach the most affected communities, especially in Liberia’s remote southeast.”
“We’ve come a long way—but we cannot be complacent. Every child saved, every family protected, is a step closer to our dream of a malaria-free Liberia. And that dream is within reach,” he concluded.
Liberia Makes Gain In Fight Against Malaria -Reduced Prevalence To 17% In 2024”
