Liberia: Health Authorities Request Additional Funding to Combat Mpox Outbreak

Monrovia — Liberia has confirmed four active Mpox cases. Health authorities are asking the House of Representatives for more funding. This request is to effectively respond to the outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a public health emergency.

The Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) made this request. They presented it during the second quarter session of the 55th Legislature on May 20, 2025. Their appearance followed an invitation from the House for an update on Mpox in Liberia.

The briefing aimed to inform lawmakers about the outbreak's status and response strategies. It also covered NPHIL's preparedness to contain the virus and protect public health. Dr. Dugbeh Chris Nyan, Director General of NPHIL, spoke on behalf of the national "One Health" platform.

He stressed the urgent need for financial support for NPHIL's operations. The requested funds would cover laboratory reagents, infection control measures, and public awareness campaigns. They would also support epidemiological surveillance and research for diagnostics and vaccines.

Dr. Nyan detailed efforts since the outbreak began. NPHIL has worked with health promoters and partner agencies on field visits to border areas, especially near Sierra Leone. He mentioned collaboration with Sierra Leone and Guinea to improve case detection and care.

Ongoing interventions include risk communication, community engagement, psychosocial counseling, and public awareness campaigns to reduce virus spread. Regarding vaccines, Dr. Nyan stated that 8,000 doses are available but reserved for specific groups like frontline workers.

Lawmakers raised concerns about transparency and accountability during NPHIL’s presentation. Representative Musa Hassan Bility from Nimba County District #7 asked for records of tests conducted since the outbreak started. He also wanted details on funding received from WAHO amid tensions over fund management between NPHIL and the Ministry of Health.

Similar requests came from other representatives like Dixon W. Seboe from Montserrado County District #16 and Anthony Williams from Maryland County District #2. Rep. Williams questioned how US$700,000 allocated in the national budget was used by NPHIL.

After over an hour of discussion, Grand Gedeh County District #1 Representative Jeremiah Sokan proposed a motion requiring health authorities to submit a detailed report on the outbreak response activities and finances. This report will go to Committees on Health; Ways, Means; Finance; and Budget by next Tuesday.

The motion sparked debate but was eventually passed unanimously by lawmakers.