(Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, June 10, 2025)— The Ministry of Health (MOH) launched the Community Revolving Drugs Fund (CRDF) today in the Port City of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. The launch marks a renewed commitment to providing affordable, high-quality medicines to local communities while addressing the long-standing challenges of drug scarcity and counterfeit medications.
Dr Raphael O. Shamavu of the Community Revolving Drug Fund and Mrs. Louise Thomas Mapleh, Manager of the Fixed Amount Reimbursement Agreement (FARA) represented the Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, in receiving the initial stock of drugs and medical supplies valued at twenty-five thousand United States dollars ($25,000) from the Grand Bassa County local authority.
Addressing attendees, Mrs. Mapleh expressed gratitude and optimism to the people of Grand Bassa County for making such a huge contribution to the program. “On behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, thank you for this wonderful example set by Grand Bassa County. You have demonstrated your commitment and concern for the health sector. We had the Revolving Drug Fund before the war, and today, we are proving that we can do it again,” said Mrs. Mapleh.
Dr. Reaphael Shamavu, Coordinator, Community Revolving Fund, delivered the opening remarks and provided an overview of the CRDF program. He revealed that the program is meant to ensure the continuous availability of essential medicines through community ownership and financial sustainability.
Adding to the momentum, the Superintendent of Grand Bassa County, Hon. Karyou Johnson expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Health for their unwavering support. “We are overwhelmed today as a county to witness this historic initiative. The Community Revolving Drugs Fund is about sustainability. Our people will no longer be vulnerable to black market vendors or pharmacies that sell expired drugs,” he said emphatically. He further assured the public, “Drugs dispensed to our citizens will be carefully inspected before use. This will reduce mortality rates associated with poor-quality medicines. This initiative is a clear indication of a responsible government prioritizing the health of its people.”
The Superintendent also commended the Grand Bassa County Health Team (GBCHT) for their foresight and dedication in making the CRDF a reality. He called on community members to take full ownership of the program to ensure its long-term success. As a show of commitment, the local government, through the Superintendent’s office, contributed the initial $25,000 worth of drugs and medical supplies, kickstarting the fund’s operations.
The Community Revolving Drugs Fund is a government-backed program designed to ensure the continuous availability of affordable and quality essential medicines in all public Health Facilities across the Country. The program was originally established before Liberia’s civil war. The fund operates by revolving resources, as medicines are sold, proceeds are reinvested to restock supplies, ensuring sustainability and reducing dependency on external donors.
The reintroduction of the CRDF in Grand Bassa County aligns with the Ministry of Health’s strategy to strengthen primary healthcare services, enhance community participation, and curb the circulation of counterfeit and expired medicines that have plagued the health sector in recent decades. It is expected to improve health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations, by providing reliable access to necessary drugs within their communities.