(Monrovia, Liberia, May 3, 2026) — The Ministry of Health has concluded a four-day (28 April to 1 May) legislative and multi-sectoral engagement to accelerate the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), amid growing concern over the health and economic burden posed by tobacco use. The engagement was sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The consultations brought together lawmakers, public health experts, government ministries, civil society representatives, and officials from the WHO Regional Office for Africa to chart a roadmap for stronger tobacco control measures in Liberia.
At the centre of the discussions was Liberia’s effort to align national policy with international standards under the WHO FCTC, including moves to pass the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, a treaty designed to combat the illegal tobacco market and strengthen public health protections.
Speaking on behalf of Health Minister Dr Louise M. Kpoto, Dr Gabriel Gorbee Logan underscored the need for stronger legislative action to protect public health.
He noted that although Liberia signed the FCTC in 2004 and ratified it in 2009, significant gaps remain in the full implementation of the treaty’s provisions.
Dr Logan urged lawmakers to ratify the WHO FCTC Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products and enact the Tobacco Control Act in order to safeguard the nation’s future.
He also commended members of the Legislature for their participation and collaboration in deliberating on the instrument ahead of its submission to the plenary of the House of Representatives.
Dr William Maina, Senior Project Officer at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, emphasized the urgency of addressing tobacco use, describing it as a major global health threat responsible for millions of preventable deaths annually.
He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s health sector in strengthening tobacco control efforts.
During the engagement, members of the House of Representatives pledged to elevate the matter to plenary in order to strengthen political commitment among legislators in support of the protocol, the development of a national tobacco control policy roadmap, and improved monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for FCTC implementation.
Participants also examined the growing challenge of the tobacco industry’s interference in public health policy.
The engagement further broadened participation to ministries and agencies with mandates linked to tobacco control, culminating in the formation of a Technical Working Group tasked with advancing national tobacco policy and legislative reforms.
The working group drafted a roadmap for a comprehensive tobacco control policy, strategy, and bill. Discussions included implementation and monitoring mechanisms for smoke-free policies, graphic health warnings, tobacco taxation, and restrictions on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.
Although Liberia is a party to the WHO FCTC, implementation has remained uneven, with limited enforcement of restrictions on smoking in public places and tobacco advertising.
The next phase will involve refining the draft roadmap and mobilizing political and institutional support for the implementation of WHO-recommended tobacco control measures nationwide.
The Ministry of Health expressed optimism that the engagement would pave the way for stronger legislation and coordinated enforcement efforts.