(Monrovia, Liberia, February 17, 2026) The Ministry of Health on Monday committed to inclusive health and education reforms as it hosted an autism research workshop to shape public policy in Liberia.
The worship was organized by the Ministry’s Non-Communicable Diseases and Injuries (NCDIs) Unit, in collaboration with Straight from The Heart International Inc, bringing together government officials, academics, development partners, and civil society actors under the theme: “Using Neurodiversity-Affirming Intersectional Approaches to Build More Equitable Societies and Shape Public Policy in Liberia and Sierra Leone.”
The gathering marked a step forward to confront stigma, expand diagnostic services, and integrate autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) into national health and education frameworks.
At the event, the Assistant Minister for Preventive Services, Dr. Cuallau Jabbeh-Howe, delivered the keynote address and described the initiative as “a turning point” for national health planning.
“If 90 percent of families attribute autism to supernatural causes, then we must intensify public education and community engagement. Stigma must give way to science and compassion. We must care for those who are affected.”
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s intention to incorporate autism indicators into its monitoring and evaluation systems.
“We will work to implement screening at the primary care level, strengthen referral systems, and ensure our health workers are properly trained,” Dr. Jabbeh-Howe added. “Our goal is early identification, timely intervention, and sustained support.”
Delivering the welcome address, Mrs. Jamesetta G. Smith, Director of the NCDIs Unit, said the workshop was designed to elevate research into actionable policy.
“This engagement is about transforming evidence into impact,” she said. “We are committed to ensuring that autistic children and their families are no longer marginalized but are recognized, supported, and included in every sphere of national development.”
“Autism and other developmental disabilities must become part of our mainstream health agenda,” Smith declared. “The Ministry of Health is prepared to strengthen early screening, expand diagnostic services, and train healthcare providers in culturally sensitive approaches.”
She described the study as a strategic tool to guide policy formulation and improve equity in service delivery.
Representatives from key partner institutions, including the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and the United Methodist University.
Studies have identified major barriers, including cultural and religious stigma, diagnostic gaps in rural areas, insufficient teacher training, communication challenges for non-speaking autistic individuals, and economic constraints limiting access to therapy and employment.
To address these issues, the research proposed a comprehensive reform agenda spanning healthcare, education, community engagement, and economic empowerment.
Recommendations include implementing autism screening in primary care, expanding culturally sensitive diagnostic services, establishing district-level teacher resource centers, launching awareness campaigns in local languages, and providing financial and vocational support for caregivers and autistic individuals.
The proposed Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework outlines baseline assessments, measurable indicators, biannual progress reports, and annual stakeholder review meetings to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
Stakeholders at the event committed to sustained collaboration, signaling a renewed national effort to dismantle stigma, expand services, and foster inclusive systems for autistic individuals and their families across Liberia.