The Ministry of Health (MOH), in collaboration with Africa CDC, USAID, UNICEF, and other key partners, has kicked off the National Community Health Program (NCHP) Acceleration Plan Workshop.
This four-day event, taking place at the RLJ Kendeja Resort in Monrovia, is aimed at evaluating Liberia’s progress in community health, tackling existing challenges, and setting a clear course toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Running from November 25-28, the workshop has attracted government officials, implementing partners, donors, and health sector representatives from across Liberia.
The event, themed “Landscape Analysis, Political Prioritization, and Financial Sustainability,” began with a focus on Liberia’s post-Ebola health recovery efforts.
A high-profile panel, including legislators and financial experts, discussed strategies for maintaining political and financial commitments to the NCHP, underscoring its importance in delivering essential healthcare services.
Senator Varpilah, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health and its partners for organizing the symposium, highlighting the pivotal role of community health workers in reaching underserved populations.
“Community health workers are key in addressing maternal and child health, sanitation, and education in hard-to-reach areas. Liberia must continue to invest in community health, and our partnerships with organizations like USAID strengthen our efforts to expand these programs.”
Catherine Cooper, Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health, noted significant progress in community health.
“This gathering allows us to reflect on our achievements, identify challenges, and strategize for sustainability. Mobilizing domestic resources will be crucial for achieving universal health coverage and ensuring the continuity of programs,” she said.
She emphasized the ongoing collaboration with the Africa CDC and other partners.
James Guwani from Africa CDC commended Liberia’s community health model, calling it a beacon of resilience and innovation on the African continent.
“The integration of community health into the national health system is exemplary,” he said.
Sandra Bird from USAID Liberia echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative commitment to equity and sustainability in healthcare.
Andy Brooks from UNICEF emphasized the transformative role of Community Health Workers (CHWs), who bridge the gap between underserved communities and health services, significantly improving health outcomes in Liberia.
On the second day, discussions were centered on the crucial role of CHWs in providing essential healthcare to Liberia’s most remote areas.
The workshop will conclude with reflections from stakeholders and the signing of a unified acceleration plan, outlining actionable steps for expanding healthcare access, reducing maternal and child mortality, and strengthening pandemic preparedness.
The NCHP has already made significant strides, improving healthcare access for more than 1.2 million Liberians in remote regions, with nearly 5,000 Community Health Assistants (CHAs) deployed across all 15 counties.
Revisions to the 10-year strategic plan and the introduction of a new cadre of professional CHWs demonstrate the Ministry’s commitment to reducing maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent mortality while enhancing Liberia’s ability to respond to future health emergencies.
However, challenges remain, such as limited female participation among CHWs and logistical issues in hard-to-reach areas, according to Olasford Wiah, Director of the Community Health program at MOH.
The workshop is expected to produce a unified acceleration plan that will align community health strategies with broader national health system strengthening goals.
This will enhance Liberia’s capacity to reduce preventable deaths, increase access to life-saving care for children under five, and ensure preparedness for future health crises.
The National Community Health Program continues to be a cornerstone of Liberia’s healthcare system, and this workshop serves as an important opportunity to reaffirm the country’s commitment to equitable healthcare for all.
