(Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, April 16, 2026) – The Ministry of Health (MOH) and key partners have commenced the development of Liberia’s Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 (GC8) funding request targeting HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria.
The technical working session guiding the proposal development is currently underway in the port city of Buchanan, running from April 14–19, 2026. The exercise brings together program managers, technical experts, development partners, and policymakers in a coordinated effort to craft a comprehensive, evidence-based proposal aimed at addressing the country’s most pressing public health challenges.
Delivering a statement, Malaria Control Program Manager, Dr. Trokon Washington, underscored the significance of the process.
“As we begin writing for the Global Fund Grant Cycle 8, it is essential to reflect on the profound significance of our mission to improve global health and combat infectious diseases,” Dr. Washington said. “This grant cycle offers a unique platform not only to continue our fight against pressing health challenges but also to harness the collective strength of our experiences and successes.”
He emphasized that the process must be driven by innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to impact.
“Together, we have the opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and create impactful initiatives that resonate with communities around the world,” he added.
Dr. Washington further highlighted the need for strategic thinking and inclusive partnerships, particularly in addressing health disparities affecting vulnerable populations.
“With a commitment to addressing urgent health disparities and empowering the most vulnerable populations, we must approach this endeavor with a strategic mindset and a spirit of partnership,” he noted. “Our proposal will be a testament to our dedication, showcasing our ability to adapt and respond to evolving health needs while fostering sustainable solutions.”
He described the GC8 process as both an opportunity and a responsibility for stakeholders to build on past achievements.
“This cycle is not just an opportunity; it is a call to action for us to build on our previous achievements, leverage innovative solutions, and strengthen our partnerships,” Dr. Washington stressed. “We will craft a comprehensive and impactful proposal that directly addresses urgent health needs and empowers communities worldwide.”
Dr. Washington: “Let us tackle this process with unwavering dedication, strategic collaboration, and a resolute vision for achieving a healthier future for all. I wish you all a successful deliberation”.
Also speaking, World Health Organization (WHO) National Program Officer for Disease, and Chair of the funding Committee, Dr. Yatta Wapoe, described the session as a crucial milestone in Liberia’s funding journey, stressing that careful prioritization would be key in an increasingly constrained global funding environment.
“We have reached one of the most important parts of our journey, the beginning of the funding request process, and we cannot overemphasize the importance of this journey,” Dr. Wapoe said.
She called on members of the Liberia Coordinating Mechanism (LCM), particularly the funding request committee, to exercise due diligence throughout the process.
“As we sit together and strategize, please let us do due diligence. Let us pay close attention to those things that we are going to prioritize because we all know what is happening globally,” she cautioned.
Dr. Wapoe further noted that existing guidance from the Global Fund should serve as a roadmap for Liberia’s proposal development.
“The Global Fund has already given us all of the guidance that we need as a country, so we must rely on each other as we go along so that we will do justice to the people of Liberia,” she added.
Speaking on behalf of Plan International Liberia, a Principal Recipient (PR) for the current Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7), Dr. MomoTegli, Deputy Chief of Party, Global Fund TB/HIV AND RSSH Grant, expressed the organization’s commitment to supporting the grant-writing process both technically and financially.
“On behalf of Plan International Liberia, the PR for GC7 Global Fund HIV, TB, and RSSH Grant, we bring you greetings and are delighted to join this four-day working session initiating the GC8 grant writing process,” Dr. Tegli said.
The organization stressed the importance of building on achievements from previous grant cycles while prioritizing high-impact interventions.
“This is a critical moment to support the country to come up with a robust, fit-for-purpose proposal that will be submitted to the Global Fund, taking into consideration our key priorities as a country and reflecting on the gains we have made, especially under GC7,” Dr. Tegli noted.
Plan International reaffirmed its readiness to support national efforts beyond the proposal stage.
“We have committed our support to contributing to the entire process, be it financially or technically, and we remain a PR that is willing to support national interest in terms of writing this grant and supporting implementation in the next grant cycle,” Dr. Tegli added.
Mr. William E. Walker Jr, Head of Secretariat, Liberia Coordinating Mechanism, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of the funding request phase despite limited donor financing for preparatory activities. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts that have brought stakeholders together and expressed optimism about the process.
The GC8 process follows the key decisions made during the March 31, 2026, meeting of the LCM General Assembly, including the adoption of a full-review application approach and the allocation of 25 percent of each disease component to Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH).
Participants are expected to produce substantial drafts of the funding request, including programmatic gap analyses, performance frameworks, and health product management templates, ahead of the April 24, 2026, submission deadline.