(Monrovia, Liberia, November 10, 2025) – Liberia on Monday launched the World Bank–funded Liberia Health Security Project (HeSP), a project meant to strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies. The event brought together government officials, health authorities, development partners, and lawmakers who reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Liberia’s health security agenda.
Launching the project, Health Minister Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto described it as a turning point in Liberia’s health system resilience. She said the project reflects a shared vision to protect the country against future pandemics and health emergencies.
“As we celebrate today’s launch, I wish to take this opportunity to look beyond, to the future of Liberia’s health financing,” Dr. Kpoto said. “As the IFISH Project phases out in August 2026, we kindly appeal to the World Bank to continue standing with the Ministry of Health by providing additional health financing to sustain and expand our health security and systems-strengthening efforts.”
The Minister further urged the World Bank to deepen its partnership with the Global Financing Facility (GFF) to ensure the approval and implementation of Liberia’s Investment Case, which she said is “critical for advancing maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Calling for unity and coordinated implementation, Dr. Kpoto said success will require joint commitment from all institutions involved.
“I urge all implementing institutions, the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), the Ministry of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and our County Health Teams, to work together as one unified team,” she said. “The success of this project will depend on coordination, transparency, accountability, and national ownership.”
She emphasized that the Liberia Health Security Project must not be treated as “just another program,” but rather one that saves lives and strengthens systems.
“Let us ensure that this becomes a living example of partnership and purpose, one that protects the future of our nation,” she added, before officially launching the program.
Delivering results to the Liberian people will depend on effective collaboration across the institutions, your collective work to strengthen the system for prevention matters, and it begins now. In particular, we urge and encourage strong collaboration,” She ended
Meanwhile, the Country Manager of the World Bank–Liberia, Madam Georgia Wallen, underscored the key threats facing Liberia and emphasized the need for increased investment to safeguard its citizens.
“Liberia, like many countries, remains vulnerable to numerous threats, including natural disasters, climate change, and antimicrobial resistance. This calls for deeper and improved investments to protect the health, well-being, and livelihoods of Liberians,” Madam Wallen noted.
She also encouraged all implementing agencies to strengthen collaboration, stressing that effective coordination is essential for the successful implementation of the project.
Also speaking, Grand Cape Mount County Senator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Hon. Dabah M. Varpilah, described the launch as a significant milestone for Liberia’s health sector.
“This is a reaffirmation of Liberia’s health security,” Senator Varpilah said.
She urged the Government of Liberia to fully acknowledge and embrace the project, noting that it aligns with national health priorities and ongoing reforms.
Senator Varpilah praised the government for what she called “demonstrated commitment to the health sector,” adding that development partners’ continued support shows growing global confidence in Liberia’s health agenda.
She extended gratitude to the World Bank and partners for sustaining investments that continue to accelerate growth and resilience in the country’s health system.
The Liberia Health Security Project is anchored on a One Health approach linking human, animal, and environmental health.