Ministry of Health And Partners, Launch Health Security Project Targeting Stronger Health Workforce To Handle Public Health Crisis in Liberia - FrontPageAfrica

Monrovia- The Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), National Public Health Institute (NPHIL), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with support from the World Bank have officially launched the Health Security Project
(HeSP), a One Health approach to optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems amounting to
US$18.00 million.

By Francis G. Boayue

The Health Security Project

(HeSP), is a regional program that seeks to ramp up multisectoral preparedness and response capacities for health emergencies, relying on a “One Health approach” to optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. It also aims to address the intertwined nature of pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, and climate-related challenges persistent in the region.

Ministry of Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, speaking on Monday at the launch of the Health Security Project (HeSP) in Monrovia, called for continued support to look beyond the future of Liberia’s health financing.

“As we launch this new phase of partnership, l 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.

She further said the success of the project will depend on coordination, transparency, accountability, and national ownership.

“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,” she added.

According to Dr. Kpoto, as the IFISH Project phases out in August 2026, she further appealed to the World Bank to continue standing with the Ministry of Health by providing additional health financing to sustain and expand the health security and systems-strengthening efforts in Liberia.

“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,” Dr. Kpoto said.

Unveiling of the Health Security Project, Hon. Debah M. Varpilah, Chairperson,
Committee on Health at the Liberian Senate, praised the Minister of Health and implementing partners stressing the need for the protection of health for every Liberian.

“The partnership among the four governmental institutions reflects a Liberia that is ready to break the duplication of efforts and unite as one people and respond to health threats not just as a medical incident but as a national development issue under the one health platform,” Senator Debah M. Varpilah asserted.

She further said this support from the World Bank demonstrates continued global confidence in Liberia’s capacity to lead its own development priorities and sustaining its gains in health security is a collective responsibility that belongs to all Liberians.

In remarks, World Bank-Liberia Country Manager Madam Georgia Wallen, stating the importance of the Health Security Project, lauded the Liberian government mainly the Ministry of Health, Agriculture, NPHIL, and the EPA for their collective commitment to building a strong coalition for a better health security in Liberia.

She also highlighted that the Health Security Project is part of an effort of the World Bank and Liberia’s long-standing partnership which has lasted for over ten years in strengthening Liberia’s capacity to prevent and respond to public health threats and emergencies.