Monrovia, Liberia – In an effort to combat HIV, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and to strengthen the health system, the government of Liberia has initiated and signed Cycle 7 of the Global Fund Grant, worth US$117,546,670.00. The funds will be distributed through Plan International and Catholic Relief Services.
Government, civic society, technical organizations, business, and individuals impacted by AIDA, tuberculosis, and malaria collaborate to create the Global Fund.
Speaking on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 launch in Montevida, President Boakai hailed the event as momentous, signifying a renewed dedication to battling the HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria epidemics diseases that have long afflicted the country and impeded its progress.
The President claimed that the GC7 funding is evidence of the Global Fund’s steadfast commitment to enhancing health outcomes in nations with severe needs like Liberia.
There are many of obstacles and not many opportunities.
“This award will improve and expedite our national response to HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, in addition to consolidating the advances we’ve made over the years.”
“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,” the Liberian leader clarified. We have enhanced our healthcare infrastructure, raised the supply of life-saving drugs, and extended access to vital health services thanks to prior grants.
President Boakai stated that his government’s dedication to enhancing healthcare is steadfast and that it will keep placing a high priority on the education and capacity-building of medical professionals in order to make sure they have the knowledge and tools necessary to deliver high-quality care.
Additionally, President Boakai stated that his administration will make investments to fortify supply chain management systems in order to guarantee ensure medical supplies and prescription drugs are delivered quickly and effectively to people who need them the most.
A thorough and well-coordinated strategy is needed to combat HIV, TB, and malaria. We will improve our efforts to prevent, diagnose, and treat these diseases with the help of the GC7 funding. We’ll put creative tactics into practice to target important demographics, lessen discrimination and stigma, and encourage community involvement and ownership of health projects.
According to President Boakai, Liberia’s government will prioritize increasing access to HIV testing and counseling services, especially for high-risk populations, increasing the use of antiretroviral therapy, and supporting condom distribution and awareness campaigns as preventative measures against HIV.
He continued that the government will also give top priority to initiatives aimed at preventing HIV transmission from mother to child, guaranteeing that every child born in Liberia has the chance to grow up healthy and HIV-free.
“Under the direction of the National AIDS Commission, which I lead, we will enhance multi-sectorial coordination and promote sustainability of the HIV response.”
The Liberian leader revealed that as part of his effort to combat tuberculosis, he will improve diagnostic capabilities to guarantee that every patient is quickly diagnosed and treated.
He added that malaria continues to be a serious public health concern in Liberia, especially for our most vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and young children, and that the government will step up efforts to combat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), offering specialized care and support to those afflicted by the difficult form of the disease.
A healthy population is the cornerstone of both sustainable development and economic prosperity, hence our government will continue to prioritize health as a major pillar of our national development plan, according to President Boakai.
“I call upon all stakeholders government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector to join us in this critical endeavor.”
