Monrovia, Liberia – Key stakeholders gathered Monday at the Golden Key Hotel to confirm the actuarial study for the proposed Liberia Health Equity Fund (LHEF), also known as the Liberia Social Health Insurance Scheme, marking a significant step toward universal health coverage in Liberia.
Government representatives, development partners, and policymakers convened the meeting to evaluate the financial sustainability and feasibility of LHEF as a strategy for sustainable health finance in Liberia.
At the event, attendees reiterated their dedication to provide all Liberians with equal and easily accessible healthcare. Speaking on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Malayah T. Chieyoe, the Ministry of Health’s Deputy Minister for Policy and Planning, underlined the significance of a strong healthcare system for the advancement of the country.
“A healthy population is the foundation of any development you’re considering. Without a healthy population, forget about development,” he stated.
For his part, Nathaniel Kwabo, Director of Cabinet, reaffirmed President Joseph N. Boakai’s dedication to universal health coverage, stating that healthcare access is a fundamental human right.
“This initiative has been a priority for the president even before he assumed office. Every Liberian, regardless of their background, must have access to healthcare,” Kwabo declared.
He also emphasized the negative effects of insufficient funding for healthcare, pointing out that a lack of resources leads to many avoidable deaths.
Additionally, the House Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance Chair Hon. P. Mike Jurry pledged to obtain funding for the program, saying the House of Representatives would collaborate with the Ministry of Finance to guarantee funding for this important initiative.
Assistant Minister for Policy and Planning Hon. George P. Jacobs emphasized the significance of the validation process in determining Liberia’s future health finance landscape. He said the process is crucial to figuring out how we can afford universal health care in a sustainable way.
Minister Jacobs emphasized Liberia’s financial difficulties, pointing out that the country’s public health spending is still inadequate. The government will spend $91 million on health in 2025, while donor funding is expected to total $81 million.
According to WHO estimates per capital, the true demand is more above $458 million, he continued. The Liberia Health Equity Fund would be the medium-to-long-term plan for sustainable health finance, the Minister said, outlining Liberia’s approach to attaining universal health coverage.
“Liberia has only 11 to 12.8 skilled health workers per 10,000 people. Midwives, lab technologists, and specialized nurses are in short supply,” Jacobs lamented.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
