(Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, December 13, 2024) – The Ministry of Health’s Performance-Based Financing (PBF) Unit, in collaboration with the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), successfully conducted a five-day training session for 34 Officers-in-Charge and Medical Directors from public health facilities across five counties. The training was held in the Port City of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, from December 9–13, 2024, targeting health personnel from Bomi, Gbarpolu, Rivercess, Sinoe, and Maryland counties.

Nine clinics and one hospital, identified for enrolment in the Ministry’s Performance-Based Financing (PBF) program, participated in the training. The facilities included the Rivercess District Referral Hospital, Fen River Clinic, Klaygbae Clinic, John S. Doedeh Clinic, Alexander P. Togba Clinic, BOPC Clinic, Forkpata Community Clinic, Morlarkwelleh Community Clinic, Tarworken Clinic, and Klay Health Center Dr. Jude G. Wesseh, County Health Officer for Grand Bassa, opened the training by acknowledging the importance of the PBF program. “The PBF mechanism is a critical tool for enhancing healthcare delivery at public health facilities. I urge all participants to fully utilize the knowledge gained here to improve healthcare services in their respective counties,” he stated.

Madame Vera G. Mussah, Director of the PBF Unit, provided an overview of the program’s implementation in Liberia. She reflected on the program’s history as a strategy for the National Health Policy and Plan (NHPP) and the Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS). The training covered critical topics, including: Overview of PBF in Liberia; Agreement and Contract Management; Quantity Verification and Quality Assessment; Reporting and Invoicing; Reimbursement and Utilization of PBF Funds; Health Facility Business Plan Development; Procurement and Supply Chain Management; and Monitoring and Evaluation.

Mr. John Geedeh, County Clinical Supervisor and PBF Focal Point for Grand Bassa, delivered the closing remarks, commending participants for their engagement. “I encourage all of you to apply what you have learned and meet the targets and indicators for your respective facilities,” he said. Certificates of participation were awarded to the trainees, signed by Mr. Matthew T.K. Flomo, Project Manager – PIU, and Dr. Teyah S. Moore, Assistant Minister for Curative Services. The training received technical and financial support from the World Bank Group through the Institutional Foundations to Improve Services for Health (IFISH) Project, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening Liberia’s healthcare system. The PBF program aimed to strengthen healthcare delivery by linking financial support to performance outcomes.  Since October 2024, the Ministry has worked toward the national implementation of this initiative, identifying eligible health facilities to join the program. Prior to enrolment, public health staff are trained in the principles and practices of PBF to ensure successful implementation. Initially introduced in 2008, the program expanded in 2018 through grants from the World Bank and the Global Financing Facility, scaling up to additional counties and health facilities. Currently, the PBF program is operational in six counties and one hospital, targeting improvements in maternal and child health.