Liberia Seeks Urgent Funding to Combat Mpox Outbreak
As the World Health Organization (WHO) declares the Mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, Liberia is racing against time to contain the spread of the virus. With four active cases confirmed, the country’s health authorities have appealed to the House of Representatives for increased funding to bolster their response efforts. The request, made jointly by the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), underscores the urgent need for robust financial support to combat the outbreak.
According to Dr. Dugbeh Chris Nyan, Director General of NPHIL, the requested funding will address critical needs such as laboratory reagents, infection prevention and control measures, public awareness campaigns, and research for diagnostics and vaccines. NPHIL has been working tirelessly to strengthen surveillance, particularly along the Sierra Leonean border, and has collaborated with neighboring countries to enhance cross-border case detection and care.
However, the NPHIL presentation raised concerns among lawmakers regarding transparency and accountability. Representatives Musa Hassan Bility, Dixon W. Seboe, and Anthony Williams called for comprehensive records of tests conducted, detailed accounts of funding received, and clarification on the allocation of the $700,000 approved in the national budget to support NPHIL’s response efforts.
In response, Grand Gedeh County District #1 Representative Jeremiah Sokan introduced a motion mandating the health authorities to submit a detailed report on the outbreak, response activities, and financial expenditures. The report is expected to be presented to the relevant committees by next Tuesday, providing much-needed insight into the government’s handling of the crisis.
As Liberia navigates this public health emergency, the international community watches with bated breath. The WHO’s declaration of the Mpox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern serves as a stark reminder of the need for global cooperation and support in combating infectious diseases. With the fate of Liberia’s response efforts hanging in the balance, one thing is clear: time is of the essence, and urgent action is required to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the lives of Liberians.
