GOL commits $1.8 Million to strengthen Community Health Services

By Kruah Thompson

The Government of Liberia has pledged 1.8 million in support for Community Health Services Supervisors in Liberia.

The money according to Vice president Jewel Howard Taylor, will be used to provide the needed support for Community Health Workers across the Country.

Making the disclosure Friday, March 24, at the climax of a four-day community Health Workers’ symposium at the Ellen Johnson Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, VP Taylor said despite the numerous challenges facing the health sector in the country, health practitioners have made a significant impact taking basic health services to far-to-reach areas across the counties.

According to data shared by Liberia’s Ministry of Health, there are now some 4,000 community health workers across Liberia’s 15 counties,

It added that each worker, must be nominated by fellow villagers and then pass a literacy test, and receives months of training, covering topics such as malaria diagnosis, first aid, and maternal health. 

They then engage with members of their community, helping to respond to any concerns, registering the details of households in the area, and aiding the launch of a community committee to discuss health issues.

However, on January 16, 2023, Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina S. Jallah, revealed that as of 2022, there were 469 Community Health Services Supervisors (CHSSs), 4,331 Community Health Assistants (CHAs), and 5,060 Community Health Volunteers (Community Health Promoters, or CHPs).

This according to her, is the largest grassroots employment of the government of Liberia.

“Given the immense gains made through our National Community Health Program, it is now a key pillar of the Liberian health care delivery system and a new ten-year National Community Health Policy (2023-2032) is poised to be launched during this 3rd International CHW Symposium,” she maintained.

Vice President Taylor noted that with this welcoming news, the government is prepared and committed to providing the necessary support to Community Health Workers in making sure all Liberians have access to health care.

She added that with the commitment from the government, health practitioners must double their efforts in ensuring that citizens have sustainable health services.

Madam Taylor, However, showered praises on health workers for their dedicated role play in fighting measles, COVID-19, malaria, Malnutrition, and amongst.

Meanwhile, she called on international partners to continue their supports to the health sector of Liberia.

Liberia’s vice president said one of the areas that need additional pieces of training is the health sector. According to her, the best way to have a proactive, robust, and advanced health system is to provide more training.