(Monrovia, Liberia, June 2, 2025)—The Ministry of Health (MoH) joined global leaders, development partners, and philanthropists in recognizing the 25-year progress of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a global force behind unprecedented improvements in health, development, and scientific innovation.
The Gates Foundation’s journey, which began in 2000, has resulted in progress across global health systems, including reductions in child mortality, expanded vaccine access, and efforts to combat epidemics. Among the beneficiaries of this impact is Liberia, whose health sector has been strengthened significantly through the foundation’s support to the Global Fund. Through the Global Fund, co-founded by the Gates Foundation, the nation has received funding to combat HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria. These investments have enabled the country to deliver life-saving health services, scale up its community health workforce, and enhance disease surveillance and treatment access in some of the most vulnerable communities.
Since Liberia became a recipient of Global Fund support, the country has made major strides in tackling high-burden diseases. The MOH, working with partners and civil society, has leveraged funding to roll out antiretroviral therapies (ARVs), expand TB screening programs, and distribute long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets to curb malaria infections nationwide. In a retrospective speech marking the foundation’s silver anniversary, today, Bill Gates acknowledged Africa’s role in shaping the foundation’s priorities. From his first trip to the continent in 1993 to ongoing investments in health, agriculture, and digital infrastructure,
Mr. Gates stressed the importance of partnerships rooted in trust, data, and innovation. “In Africa, our work through the Global Fund has helped transform the health system, especially in addressing diseases like malaria and HIV,” he said in a televised meeting today. “We believe that with continued commitment, even greater progress is within reach.” The foundation has been instrumental in reducing the cost of key vaccines and life-saving treatments, ensuring countries like Liberia can afford and deploy tools in hard-to-reach areas. The introduction of affordable rotavirus vaccines, once costing over $30 per dose and now below $2, was a direct result of the foundation’s early investments and advocacy. “To whom much is given, much will be required’
Dr. Louise Kpoto, Liberia’s Minister of Health, joined other African ministers in commending the Gates Foundation’s consistent support. “This is more than a celebration of the foundation’s legacy. It is a call to action for stronger partnerships, increased investment, and innovation in public health,” she She further committed to deepening accountability and community engagement in the country’s health response.
Liberia is expected to benefit from these advances, particularly in using data to track maternal and child health, optimize resource allocation, and enhance disease prevention strategies.
The MOH pledged its commitment to continue collaborating with the Gates Foundation, the Global Fund, and other development partners to build a resilient, inclusive, and equitable health system for all Liberians.