The supplies were handed over to the Liberian Ministry of Health, along with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, including four-thousand pregnancy tests and fifteen thousand doses of Hepatitis B, among others.

The initiative is funded by the European Union and implemented through the UNFPA under the Spotlight Initiative Phase II.

Officials say medical supplies will be distributed to 34 health facilities across eight counties, serving about 4,000 survivors of gender-based violence.

Speaking during the ceremony, Assistant Health Minister for Prevention Services, Dr. Cuallau Jabbeh-Howe, described the move as essential to preventing further health complications of sexual abuse survivors in Liberia.

He emphasized that the medication will improve service delivery through coordinated systems, including “one-stop centers” for survivors.

“They provide medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance in a single location,” he explained.

Also speaking at the occasion, Assistant Minister for Gender, Laura Golokeh, emphasized that the supply will provide significant relief to the workings of relevant institutions.

She noted that although health facilities are present across the country, there are operational gaps that hinder effective care for survivors of sexual abuse.

Golokeh highlighted that the supplies will enable a prompt response and ensure further medical control of rape cases.

“While health facilities exist across the country, there are still capacity gaps in responding effectively to survivors of violence,” Golokeh stated.

“Consultations conducted nationwide revealed that many facilities have infrastructure but lack the full capacity to meet survivors’ needs in a timely manner."

“Survivors must access care within 72 hours,” she added, noting that addressing gender-based violence requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral response involving several key sectors.

“It requires a strong multi-sectoral approach involving the Ministry of Health, the justice system, and other key institutions, as well as community involvement," Assistant Minister Golokeh stressed.

Additionally, she pledged the government's unwavering commitment to reducing gender-based violence as part of its national development agenda.

She explained that the government is working to ensure the continuity of Gender-Based Violence services beyond donor-supported initiatives like the Spotlight Initiative.

“The government remains committed to reducing gender-based violence by 50 percent under its national development agenda,” she said, emphasizing that strengthening response systems is essential for reaching this target.

International partners, including the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU), stated that the donation reaffirms the long-standing partnership with Liberia to achieve its national priorities.

The EU mentioned that the supplies, valued at over 70,000 US dollars, will considerably strengthen response services at health facilities across the country.

“The intervention reflects a strong partnership between the European Union, the United Nations, and the Government of Liberia under the Spotlight Initiative Phase Two."

“The supplies are expected to benefit approximately 4,000 survivors and will help reduce both the physical and psychological consequences of sexual and gender-based violence,” an EU representative added.

Meanwhile, the United Nations emphasized that survivor care must remain a central priority alongside prevention efforts.

In a statement delivered on behalf of UN Resident Coordinator, Christine Umutoni, the body reaffirmed its stance to ending violence against women and girls.

“Ending violence against women and girls remains a national and global priority".

“While prevention is critical, equal attention must be given to ensuring survivors have access to quality healthcare, protection, and justice,” the statement reads.

As Liberia advances into the second phase of the Spotlight Initiative, stakeholders say the focus will remain on building resilient systems beyond medical measures, to ensure survivors are treated promptly, supported holistically, and given access to justice and dignity.

Misoprostol, know as Cytotec, is a medication primarily used for medical abortions, post- abortion care, and treating severe bleeding after childbirth.

On April 3, 2026, the Ministry of Health announced a new regulation requiring the drug to be sold only with a valid prescription from a licensed physician and dispensed solely within authorized health facilities.

The Health Ministry attributed its decision to what it described as the widespread unregulated use of the drug. The measures include increased pharmacy inspections, scrutiny of the supply chain, and a ban on over- the- counter sales, with penalties such as license revocation for violations.

In a recent statement, the Amplifying Rights Network noted that tightening sales, would limit access to the drug and give rise to unsafe practices, especially among vulnerable populations.

The group pointed out that Liberia records over 1, 000 maternal deaths per 100, 100,000 live births—one of the highest rates globally—making access to life-saving drugs urgent.

ARN furthered that introducing stricter controls could delay care, particularly in rural areas where access to doctors and equipped health facilities is already limited.

The group highlighted that restrictive reproductive health policies have not reduced abortions in Liberia, but have instead pushed many women toward unsafe methods.

Estimates in Liberia suggest about 38, 000 abortions occur each year, with unsafe procedures accounting for up to 15 percent of maternal deaths.

“Restriction does not stop need—it only makes outcomes more dangerous,” the Network emphasizes.

The Amplifying Rights Network is now urging the government, through the Health Ministry, to ease restrictions and adopt policies that expand access to reproductive health services.

Among its recommendations, the group is calling on authorities to improve public education about proper use of the drug and empower midwives and community health workers to provide essential care.

The Network stresses that Liberia's goal to reduce maternal mortality cannot be achieved by tightening control over life-saving medicines.

The equipment include state-of-the-art ambulances and medication valued at approximately US$600,000. They ranged from infant ventilators, neonatal incubators, resuscitation devices, and portable ultrasound machines.

WHO officials described the new equipment as critical tools meant to improve survival outcomes for mothers and newborns across Liberia.

The supply comes at a pivotal time when the government of Liberia is accelerating implementation of its ambitious 365-day action plan to reduce maternal and newborn mortality nationwide.

This will enable Liberia's healthcare system drive on expanding access to timely, high-quality healthcare services, particularly in emergency situations.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, on Wednesday, March April 1, 2026, WHO Representative to Liberia, Dr. Olushayo Olu, emphasized that the intervention forms a key part of its broader commitment to support Liberia’s Health Sector.

“We are proud to deliver these fully equipped ambulances and essential medical supplies, valued at approximately US$600,000,” Dr. Olu stated.

“These ambulances are designed to function not only as transport vehicles, but also as mobile intensive care units and clinics, capable of delivering critical care on the move", Dr. Olushayo Olu said.

Receiving the donation, Liberia’s Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, noted that the equipment will enhance emergency response systems, including services coordinated through the central Emergency Medical Services unit at the country's largest referral Hospital, the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia.

She emphasized that the logistics and life-saving meditation will play a crucial role in improving care for critically ill patients nationwide.

“We sincerely thank the World Health Organization for this generous and impactful contribution. These medically equipped ambulances and supplies represent one of the most significant donations we have received,” she said.

To ensure sustainability and optimal use, the World Health Organization will further support the Ministry of Health with the transportation, installation, and maintenance of the equipment, as well as training for healthcare workers.

This intervention marks a significant step toward strengthening Liberia’s emergency preparedness and response capacity, while expanding access to life-saving care—especially for women and newborns who are most at risk.

Held at the Sinkor Palace Hotel under the theme “Immunization Champion Project,” the workshop brought together healthcare professionals, international policymakers, and child health advocates from across Montserrado County and beyond.

Participants from countries including Indonesia and Nigeria emphasized that immunization remains one of the most effective and proven methods to protect children against life-threatening diseases. Vaccines, they noted, help build immunity before exposure, significantly reducing the risk of infection and complications.

Speaking at the opening session, the President of the Pediatric Association of Liberia, Dr. Cecelia Nuta, underscored the urgent need to strengthen public awareness and address misinformation surrounding vaccines.

“We must continue to raise awareness and correct false information about vaccines,” Dr. Nuta stated. “Parents need to understand that even if a child misses a dose, it is not too late to catch up.”

Dr. Nuta highlighted that one of the major challenges facing Liberia’s immunization program is limited access to remote communities, where outreach services remain insufficient and many families are unable to receive regular vaccination support.

She further clarified concerns surrounding the Immunization Champions Project, a three-year initiative being implemented through the IPA-PAL partnership with support from the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Health.

“This project is not in response to any outbreak,” she emphasized. “It is about prevention and ensuring that we do not repeat past public health failures.”

Referencing lessons from the Ebola outbreak, Dr. Nuta noted that weak community engagement previously contributed to the rapid spread of disease, stressing the importance of building trust and awareness at the grassroots level.

According to findings from Innovations for Poverty Action, immunization coverage remains critically low in some communities, with only approximately 15 percent of children fully vaccinated leaving many vulnerable to preventable diseases.

As part of the initiative, trained community health workers will be deployed over the next three years to engage directly with families, provide education, address vaccine hesitancy, and encourage full immunization.

The program is being implemented with support from the Ministry of Health and international partners, reflecting a coordinated and sustained effort to improve child survival and strengthen Liberia’s public health system.

During the 2025 National People’s Summit on Climate Justice, held at the Ministerial Complex on Monday, December 15, 2025, UNICEF's Chief of Child Protection, Hellen Nyangoya, emphasized that climate change is intensifying health risks for children. She highlighted that waterborne diseases, such as cholera, represent a significant threat for the future.

Madam Nyangoya explained that rising temperatures, intense rainfall, flooding, and inadequate sanitation systems are creating favorable conditions for the spread of cholera and other infectious diseases.

The UN envoy warned that children living in flood-prone and low-income communities will be the most affected as climate shocks continue to disrupt access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education.

Citing findings from Liberia’s Climate Landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC), she noted that at least 10 percent of the population—particularly children—already face increased exposure to climate-related health risks, including respiratory illnesses and vector-borne diseases. She stated that climate change has developed into a full-scale crisis concerning children's rights, threatening their survival and development.

The UNICEF diplomat also acknowledged Liberia’s recent advancements in climate leadership, such as the development of climate evidence tools, the Climate Rationale for WASH, and the signing of the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action.

However, Madam Nyangoya emphasized that these commitments must lead to tangible actions to protect children from the worsening impacts of climate change.

She urged the Government of Liberia and development partners to invest in climate-resilient water and sanitation systems, strengthen disaster risk reduction, ensure child-sensitive climate financing, and fully implement the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child’s General Comment No. 26, which outlines how environmental harm affects children's rights.

Madam Nyangoya concluded her statement by calling for collective action to build a climate-resilient Liberia where every child has access to clean water, safe sanitation, quality education, and a healthy environment in which to grow and thrive.

In her address to the plenary, Representative Feika underscored the urgent healthcare issues faced by residents of Tewor, the largest district in Grand Cape Mount County.

The female lawmaker stated that the Teewor district lacks a fully functional health center, with the Tienii Clinic being the main source of medical care for the local population.

Located just five minutes from the Liberia-Sierra Leone border, Tienii Town, the district headquarters, is home to approximately 15,000 residents from nearby communities.

Despite its critical importance, the clinic frequently faces shortages of essential medical supplies, which has led to a troubling increase in maternal deaths during childbirth, according to the lawmaker.

Representative Feika described the situation as “alarming” and urged the House to take immediate legislative action to improve healthcare delivery for her constituents, ensuring that the Tienii Clinic can meet the community's growing needs.

After careful consideration, the House plenary directed the Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance to review the request and recommend the establishment of a sustainable budget line to support the clinic.

The decision highlights a wider effort to enhance healthcare infrastructure in underserved regions of Liberia, where access to essential medical services is still a major challenge.

Liberia’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Catherine T. Cooper, emphasized that without bold actions, the transmission of Mpox will continue to escalate, putting lives, health systems, and communities at serious risk.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the Ministry of Health, NPHIL, and partner agencies are working together to address the Mpox virus outbreak. They have committed to implementing a series of measures aimed at reducing transmission over the next 60 to 90 days,” Dr. Cooper stated during a press conference on Friday, November 7, 2025.

Dr. Cooper stated that one of several measures is to intensify active case finding and ensure all confirmed cases are placed into treatment centers. This will allow for timely management of cases, utilizing both home-based care and attention within health facilities.

"We will enhance services at the Liberia Center for Infectious Disease Hospital by providing essential medical supplies, diagnostic tools, and equipment to the hospital and other isolation centers. Additionally, we will conduct refresher training on mpox complications for frontline clinicians, supported by simplified tools and job aids."

Dr. Cooper emphasized the importance of effective risk communication and community engagement. She highlighted the need to empower community leaders, market leaders, and youth networks to promote early reporting and safe behaviors, such as hand washing and increased awareness of sexual transmission. 

Additionally, the Ministry of Health and NPHIL announced the launch of a preventive ring vaccination campaign in Montserrado and other high-risk areas where there is a significant number of cases and ongoing transmission trends.

The Mpox vaccination campaign will begin with awareness and sensitization efforts in November 2025. Actual vaccinations are set to start in the first week of December 2025 and will continue until February 2026. This campaign targets individuals aged 18 and older across Liberia and is part of measures aimed at curbing the rapid spread of Mpox.

Dr. Cooper revealed that a consortium made up of the United States Centers for Disease Control, the Africa Centers for Disease Control, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), UNICEF, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) donated an additional 42,720 doses of Mpox vaccines to the Government of Liberia.

She mentioned that the daily operational calls for the Incident Management System (IMS) are essential for addressing emerging case issues in a timely manner. These calls focus on securing logistics, including fuel and maintaining the cold chain, as well as monitoring hotspot dashboards to ensure precise resource deployment. 

Additionally, weekly Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) audits are conducted to maintain a goal of zero exposures for Health Care Workers (HCWs), and supportive supervision is implemented as part of the strategies aimed at preventing the transmission of Mpox.

According to Dr. Cooper, these measures arise from the most recent reporting period (November 3, 2025 - Sitrep #87), during which a total of 2,447 suspected cases of Mpox were recorded. This trend indicates ongoing transmission across 15 counties, affecting 65 out of 98 health districts.

“Of these suspected cases, 2309 samples have tested and 1,308 cases have been laboratory confirmed, reflecting a cumulative positivity rate of 56.6%, which indicates significant ongoing community transmission,” Dr. Cooper said.

However, she stated that the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Public Health Institute (NPHIL), in collaboration with relevant partners, continue to implement enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, and case management measures to control the further spread of the infection.

"Currently, there are 148 active Mpox cases under monitoring and clinical care in designated Infectious disease hospitals, treatment Isolation facilities, and Home-Based Care settings. Of these, Montserrado accounts for 57% affecting Bushrod, Commonwealth,” Dr. Cooper disclosed.

She added, "In Central Monrovia and Somalia Drive, Nimba is experiencing an 18% impact, affecting Sanniquellie Mah, Bain Garr, and Zoe Geh. Margibi is facing a 7% impact, which affects the Firestone and Kakata districts. Grand Bassa has a 5% impact, affecting Buchanan and District #4. Grand Kru is seeing a 4% impact, affecting the Trehn, Barclayville, and Jroah districts. The other counties are reporting impacts of 2% and below." According to Dr. Cooper, recovery efforts have been largely successful, with 1,154 patients reported to have fully recovered after treatment and clinical follow-up.

She stated that, to date, "Liberia has reported six (6) deaths due to Mpox, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 0.5%. This relatively low CFR indicates the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Health and its partners to enhance surveillance, case management, and public awareness initiatives." 

Despite these efforts, Dr. Cooper noted that the continued emergence of new suspected cases highlights the necessity for sustained vigilance, community engagement, and adequate resource mobilization to effectively control and prevent the further spread of the disease within Liberia.

Dr. Catherine T. Cooper revealed that the main objective of these measures is to identify and investigate 90% of suspected mpox cases within 24 to 48 hours across the country. Additionally, the goal is to ensure that 100% of collected samples are tested, with results available within 48 hours. 

She emphasized that achieving zero preventable mpox deaths and minimizing severe complications are key targets of the ministry. This will be accomplished by enhancing Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity, providing timely diagnostics, offering refresher training for clinicians, and integrating care for HIV, nutrition, and mental health to help reduce transmission.

According to Dr. Cooper administering at least 42,720 doses of Mpox vaccines to high-risk populations in priority districts and counties by the end of January 2026, with rapid ring vaccination in hotspot communities, made it to the list of the ministry’s goals.

Dr. Cooper added that Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) aimed at attaining 80% awareness on safe practices, early care seeking across the country, particularly in hotspot counties, including Montserrado, Nimba, Margibi, and Grand Bassa, amongst others, by January 2026 through targeted Risk Communication and Community Engagement interventions.