By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and the United States Agency for International Development, USAID-Liberia, have signed a grant agreement of US$114,488,125 million.
The grant agreement is part of amendments 14 and 15 to the Development Objective Grant Agreement (DOAG) number 669-DOAG between both parties.
Speaking Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the signing ceremony in Monrovia, Finance Minister Augustine K. Ngafuan said the grant agreement is a result of a Development Objective Grant Agreement (DOAG) with the Government of Liberia in May of 2020 to improve health, education, livelihood, strengthening democratic governance and advancing prosperity.
“Today, we have gathered to sign two amendments to this Agreement. These amendments are Amendment 14 and Amendment 15. The cumulative incremental total dollar amount of these amendments is US$114,488,125,” Minister Ngafuan added.
According to him, Amendments 14 and 15 are meant to incrementally fund and revise the total USAID contribution to the Development Objective Grant to, amongst other things, accelerate reforms in health and education and provide essential services to Liberians.
Liberia’s Finance Minister disclosed that the agreement provides support for programs in three thematic areas: Market-driven, inclusive economic growth supporting increased job creation; Effective and inclusive governance catalyzed through reforms and greater accountability; and Foundation for growth strengthened through a healthy, productive, and educated population.
Minister Ngafuan noted that the activities cut across several sectors, including agriculture, justice, education, and health, among others.
He said the health sector is the largest among the sectors, with a total of fifty-five (55) ongoing projects in all of the Counties, with USAID providing technical and financial support through its health development program for the implementation of the Ministry of Health’s Health Policy and Plan and the national Essential Package of Health Services.
The finance minister narrated that through the agreement, the capacity of community-based institutions, health workers, and volunteers to provide safe water supply and sanitation to communities and maternal health and child delivery support will also be provided at selected health facilities in the counties.
He added that, additionally, family planning and protection against malaria will be done to make sure that Liberia is healthy in all 15 counties.
Minister Ngafuan said that the grant agreement further supports maternal and child health service delivery at selected facilities in various counties. Family planning and anti-malaria interventions in all 15 Liberian counties are also important features of USAID’s support to Liberia’s Health sector.
For his part, the United States Ambassador to Liberia, Mark Toner, said the grant agreement reflects the U.S. shared commitment to advancing Liberia’s development and strengthening bonds and cooperation between the two nations.
Amb. Toner stated that the agreement marks a new step in Liberia’s path to growth and prosperity, adding that it represents more than just financial support but reflects the U.S. commitment and investment in Liberia’s future.
He narrated that the investment is designed to support government intervention in health, education, strategic reform, and market-driven inclusion economic growth.
“With these funds, USAID will provide training teachers, health commodities, communities that are in need and extend economic opportunity in agriculture amount other things,” Amb. Toner stated.
The U.S. Ambassador to Liberia said that the United States Government and the Liberian Government are working together to ensure that every dollar given is used for sustainable possible outcomes for the Liberian people.
