By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
In the quest to strengthen the fight against HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria and as well boost the Health System, the government of Liberia has launched and signed US$117,546,670.00 Global Fund Grant Cycle 7.
The Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 which is a partnership of government, civil society, technical agencies, the private sector, and people affected by AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria will be used through Plan International and the Catholic Relief Services.
Speaking Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the launch of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 in Monrovia, President Boakai described the launch as a significant occasion, which marks a renewed commitment to combating the epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, diseases that have for so long plagued the nation and hindered its progress.
“This significant occasion marks a renewed commitment to combating the epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria—diseases that have for so long plagued our nation and hindered our progress.”
According to the President, the GC7 grant is a testament to the Global Fund’s unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes in countries like Liberia, where the need is great, the challenges are many, and the opportunities, are few.
“This grant will not only consolidate the gains we’ve made over the years, it will also strengthen and accelerate our national response to HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria,” he stated.
The Liberian leader explained “As we embark on this new phase of our partnership with the Global Fund, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant strides we have made thus far. Through previous grants, we have expanded access to essential health services, increased the availability of life-saving medications, and improved our healthcare infrastructure.”
Boakai revealed that his government’s commitment to improving healthcare is unwavering; adding that the government will continue to prioritize the training and capacity-building of healthcare professionals, ensuring they have the skills and resources needed to provide high-quality care.
Moreover, President Boakai indicated that his government will invest in strengthening the supply chain management systems to ensure that medications and medical supplies reach those who need them most in a timely and efficient manner.
“The fight against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. Through the GC7 grant, we will enhance our prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts for these diseases. We will implement innovative strategies to reach key populations, reduce stigma and discrimination, and promote community engagement and ownership of health initiatives,” he said.
President Boakai narrated that, for HIV, the government of Liberia will focus on scaling up antiretroviral therapy, expanding access to HIV testing and counseling services, particularly to high-risk population groups, and promoting HIV prevention measures such as condom distribution and awareness campaigns.
He added that the government will also prioritize interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, ensuring that every child born in Liberia has the opportunity to grow up healthy and HIV-free.
Furthermore, “we will improve multi-sectorial coordination and promote the sustainability of the HIV response under the oversight of the National AIDS Commission, which I heard,” Boakai noted.
The Liberian leader disclosed that in the fight against tuberculosis, he will strengthen the diagnostic capacity, ensuring that all individuals with TB are promptly identified and treated.
He said the government will also enhance its efforts to address multidrug-resistant TB, providing specialized care and support to those affected by the challenging form of the disease; stating that Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Liberia, particularly for our most vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and young children.
“Our government will continue to prioritize health as a key pillar of our national development agenda, recognizing that a healthy population is the foundation for sustainable development and economic growth,” Boakai stated.
The Liberian leader said, “As we launch the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7, I call upon all stakeholders—government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector—to join us in this critical endeavor.”
