By Grace Q. Bryant
The Government of Liberia has launched a US$117 million grant from the Global Fund as part of its seventh grant cycle (GC7) to combat HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria, and to strengthen the healthcare system.
President Joseph Boakai, along with various national and international stakeholders, emphasized the significance of this funding in improving health outcomes and expanding healthcare services witnessed by key partners to include Plan International and Catholic Relief Services.
This grant aims to enhance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts, focusing on vulnerable populations and reducing stigma.
Efforts will also be made to improve supply chain management and healthcare infrastructure, and to provide training for healthcare professionals as the initiative aligns with Liberia’s goals to meet sustainable development targets by 2030.
The GC7 Launch held at Monrovia City Hall, 1st Street Sinkor, President Boakai termed it a significant occasion, which marked a renewed commitment to combating the epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, diseases that have for so long plagued the nation and hindered its progress.
According to the President, the GC7 grant is a testament to the Global Fund’s unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes in countries like Liberia, where the need is great, the challenges are many, and the opportunities, few.
“This grant will not only consolidate the gains we’ve made over the years, it will also strengthen and accelerate our national response to HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria,” he stated.
The Liberian leader explained that “As we embark on this new phase of our partnership with the Global Fund, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant strides we have made thus far. Through previous grants, we have expanded access to essential health services, increased the availability of life-saving medications, and improved our healthcare infrastructure.”
Boakai revealed that his government’s commitment to improving healthcare is unwavering; adding that the government will continue to prioritize the training and capacity-building of healthcare professionals, ensuring they have the skills and resources needed to provide high-quality care.
Moreover, President Boakai indicated that his government will invest in strengthening the supply chain management systems to ensure that medications and medical supplies reach those who need them most in a timely and efficient manner.
“The fight against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. Through the GC7 grant, we will enhance our prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts for these diseases. We will implement innovative strategies to reach key populations, reduce stigma and discrimination, and promote community engagement and ownership of health initiatives,” he said.
President Boakai narrated that, for HIV, the government of Liberia will focus on scaling up antiretroviral therapy, expanding access to HIV testing and counseling services particularly to high-risk population groups, and promoting HIV prevention measures such as condom distribution and awareness campaigns.
He added that the government will also prioritize interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, ensuring that every child born in Liberia has the opportunity to grow up healthy and HIV-free.
The head of the Global Fund, Caty Fall Sow, said Global Fund stand strong, with Liberia to continue to support the government’s ambition to fight the three diseases, and build resilient and sustainable systems.
Madam highlighted that the reduction in AIDS related deaths by 67 since. “And I think we shouldn’t under appreciate that because these numbers matter they’re about people. They’re about men that you know, women that you know and children that you know.”
She disclosed that, “The grants that we’re assigning today will be executed as you heard by Catholic relief services and plan International and we have vested in them.”
She noted that the Civil Society, organizations and communities will also have a significant role to play to ensure that those who need the services.
She further explained that the Aim to contribute to Liberia’s, ambitious public, health, priorities and to reach the sustainable development goals by 2030.
She disclosed that the United States, as the largest contributor to the fund is proud to be part of the program’s success, and is grateful for the partnership, “Like you our commitment to Global Health is unwavering and working together is the best approach to ensuring success are shared investment is yielding tangible results.”
The Plan International’s acting Country Director, Serge Schuman-martin, noted that Plan International Liberia is indeed excited to have been selected by the Liberian Coordinating Mechanism (LCM) to be a Principal Recipient Partner to the Ministry of Health in the implementation of the GC7 grant.
“Our responsibilities will be to serve as The Principal Recipient of the GC7 HIV/TB integrated grant with the second wave of the COVID-19 grant as well as a major Sub-recipient for the Malaria Grant,” he assured.
According to him, Plan International is tasked with working with the National AIDS Control Program and other stakeholders to improve access to HIV prevention, Care and Treatment services particularly among key and vulnerable populations.
“Plan will also work closely with the National Leprosy and TB Control Program to improve TB case notification and treatment outcomes in the country. In addition, with support of the COVID-19 funding, Plan International will work with the MOH to ensure that the health systems in Liberia are strengthened, resilient and sustainable,” he assured.
Meanwhile, the US Ambassador to Liberia, Catherine Rodriguez revealed that the last grant implemented showed their unwavering commitment with a record pledge of US$15.7 billion.
“All Liberians benefit from a healthier Society and not just a physical and psychological. Wellness Investing is held in health, is key to fostering economic Prosperity. A strong Public Health System is a basic condition for a strong Workforce,” Madam Rodriguez said.
She also called on stakeholders the legislator, the executive and Civil Society to play their part in the effective implementation of these grants pointing out, “We also stand next to you to build a better and brighter. Liberia, for your people. Let us leverage all opportunities for sustainable health Investments in Liberia, and hold ourselves accountable to effective delivery results.”
