(Monrovia, Liberia, December 22, 2025)—Government officials, members of the Liberian diaspora, development partners, private investors, and health practitioners on Monday convened at the EJS Ministerial Complex for the Diaspora Annual Return (DAR) 2025 Health Sector Investment Forum and Health Fair, an engagement to mobilize investment, expertise, and strategic partnerships that would strengthen the nation’s health system.
The forum brought together stakeholders from across sectors to explore opportunities for diaspora-led investment, public-private collaboration, and innovative solutions to persistent challenges in healthcare delivery.
Participants underscored the urgent need to align policy, financing, and technical expertise to improve access, quality, and sustainability within the health sector.
A key highlight of the program was an interactive “Chat with the Minister” session on the state of Liberia’s health sector, featuring Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto.
During the engagement, Minister Kpoto acknowledged the progress achieved in recent years.
“We have made strides, but we must be honest about the challenges, human resources, infrastructure, financing, and access, which we are improving,” Dr. Kpoto said. “Partnership with the diaspora and the private sector is no longer optional; it is essential.”
She emphasized that the government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of transforming the health sector, calling for sustained diaspora engagement in areas such as medical training, hospital infrastructure, pharmaceutical supply chains, and health technology.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of First Lady H.E. Kartumu Yarta Boakai was Dr. Adam M. Kyne, Senior Advisor in the Office of the First Lady, Republic of Liberia.
In his address, Dr. Kyne challenged Liberians in the diaspora to view health sector investment not only as a patriotic obligation but also as a viable and impactful development opportunity.
“A healthy population is the foundation of national development,” Dr. Kyne said in his message. “When you invest in health, you invest in productivity, stability, and the future of our children. I urge the diaspora to partner with the government in building a system that leaves no one behind.”
Introducing the forum’s statement of intent, Diaspora Engagement Co-Chair Jackie McCay said the gathering was deliberately structured to move beyond dialogue toward concrete action and measurable outcomes.
“This gathering is about intentional engagement,” McCay said. “The diaspora has the skills, capital, and global exposure needed to help transform Liberia’s health sector, and today we are creating the pathways to make that happen.”
The Diaspora Annual Return 2025 Health Sector Investment Forum and Health Fair forms part of the government’s efforts to harness diaspora resources and expertise in support of national development priorities, with health identified as a critical entry point for sustainable growth and social stability.