Liberia Launches US$18 Million One Health Security Project to Boost National Preparedness Against Public Health Threats - FrontPageAfrica

MONROVIA — Liberia has embarked on a major step to strengthen its public health security and emergency response capacity with the official launch of the Health Security Project (HeSP), an US$18 million initiative funded by the World Bank. 

By Francis G. Boayue

The project aims to enhance coordination among key sectors — human health, animal health, and environmental protection — under the “One Health” approach, a model that emphasizes the interconnectedness of people, animals, and ecosystems in achieving overall national health resilience.

The HeSP was jointly launched in Monrovia by the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The program seeks to build Liberia’s capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to public health emergencies, particularly in light of lessons learned from past outbreaks such as Ebola and COVID-19.

Speaking at the official ceremony, Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto described the launch as a defining moment in Liberia’s continued journey toward building a more resilient and sustainable health system. She called for stronger collaboration and accountability among implementing partners to ensure the project’s success.

“As we launch this new phase of partnership, I urge all implementing institutions—the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), the Ministry of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and our County Health Teams—to work together as one unified team,” Dr. Kpoto said.

The Minister emphasized that the Health Security Project should not be viewed as just another donor-driven program, but rather as a national commitment toward a safer and healthier Liberia.

“The success of this project will depend on coordination, transparency, accountability, and national ownership,” she said. “Let us ensure that the Liberia Health Security Project becomes not just another program, but a living example of partnership and purpose—one that saves lives, strengthens systems, and protects the future of our nation.”

Dr. Kpoto also looked ahead to the sustainability of Liberia’s health financing as the ongoing Integrated Public Health Laboratory Network and Health System Strengthening Project (IFISH) approaches completion in 2026.

“As the IFISH Project phases out in August 2026, we kindly appeal to the World Bank to continue standing with the Ministry of Health by providing additional health financing to sustain and expand our health security and systems-strengthening efforts,” she said. 

“We also call on the World Bank to rally with the Global Financing Facility (GFF) in supporting the approval and implementation of Liberia’s Investment Case, which is critical for advancing maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Senator Dabah M. Varpilah, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, lauded the Ministry of Health and its partners for the timely launch of the project, describing it as a reaffirmation of government’s dedication to protecting the health and security of every Liberian citizen.

“It is a pleasing opportunity to join you today for the official launch of the Health Security Project in Liberia,” Senator Varpilah said. “This moment represents a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to protecting the health and security of every community, household, and citizen. The Health Security Project arrives at a time when our country, like many others, is navigating both new and persistent challenges.”

She pointed out that Liberia’s health system, despite making progress since the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks, still faces vulnerabilities — particularly in disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, and sanitation infrastructure.

“The recent handling of a suspected case of Ebola was a clear reminder that we should not let down our guard in surveillance and timely reporting to relevant authorities,” the Senator cautioned. “Strengthening preparedness is not only about responding to emergencies after they happen—it is about ensuring that routine systems are continuously upheld and strong enough to prevent small threats from becoming national crises.”

Senator Varpilah also acknowledged the fiscal pressures currently facing the country, noting that even as international partners adjust their funding portfolios, the Liberian government continues to demonstrate its commitment to the health sector through consistent budgetary increases.

“As a nation, Liberia’s experience has taught us that when the health system is weak, the entire nation is vulnerable,” she remarked. “We witnessed this during the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks, where the resilience of communities, health workers, and institutions was tested in ways no one could have predicted. We also learned that public health security cannot be separated from social trust, community engagement, environmental stewardship, food systems, and economic stability. The One Health approach recognizes these connections, and it is encouraging to see this project grounded in this philosophy.”

The Senator further commended the collaboration among the Ministry of Health, NPHIL, EPA, and MOA, describing their partnership as a symbol of progress toward eliminating fragmented efforts in national health response.

“This partnership reflects a Liberia that is ready to break the duplication of efforts and unite as one people to respond to health threats not just as medical incidents but as national development challenges,” she added. “This support from the World Bank demonstrates continued global confidence in Liberia’s capacity to lead its own development priorities. Sustaining gains in health security is a collective responsibility that belongs to all of us—government, civil society, academia, private institutions, and the citizens themselves.”

Senator Varpilah concluded by thanking Liberia’s international partners for their longstanding support and urged them to remain committed to a partnership that prioritizes sustainability and national leadership.

“To our international partners, thank you for walking with us. The call now is to continue walking with Liberia as true partners, not simply as donors,” she said. “Congratulations to the Ministry of Health and collaborating agencies for aligning this project with the ARREST Agenda and our national development plan. The work ahead will not be easy, but it is necessary. With unity of purpose and shared responsibility, this initiative will leave a legacy of stronger health systems, stronger institutions, and stronger communities.”

In a brief statement, World Bank Liberia Country Manager Madam Georgia Wallen reaffirmed the World Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting Liberia’s health resilience and emergency preparedness efforts. She commended the Liberian government and its implementing agencies for their leadership and dedication.

“The World Bank is proud to be part of this effort,” Madam Wallen said. “This partnership underscores our shared commitment to building a safer, healthier, and more resilient Liberia. The Health Security Project builds upon more than a decade of cooperation between the World Bank and the Government of Liberia, focused on strengthening capacity to prevent and respond to public health threats.”

The Health Security Project (HeSP) represents a renewed phase of cooperation between the Liberian government and international partners to fortify national preparedness, promote integrated health systems, and ensure that Liberia remains vigilant and capable of responding to both present and emerging health challenges.