The
World Health Organization (WHO) has renewed its call on the government of
Liberia to scale up action against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), warning
that without sustained investment and stronger domestic leadership, the
diseases will continue to exact a heavy toll on the country’s poorest and most
marginalized communities.
The
call was made by WHO Resident Representative to Liberia, Dr. Olushayo Olu,
during his keynote address at the observance of World Neglected Tropical
Diseases Day, organized by the Ministry of Health in Monrovia. The event was
held under the global theme “Unite, Act and Eliminate.”
According
to the Liberian Observer, neglected Tropical Diseases—such as lymphatic
filariasis, onchocerciasis (river blindness), schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted
helminths, and leprosy—have long posed a serious public health and
socio-economic challenge in Liberia and across West Africa. These diseases
thrive in conditions of poverty, poor sanitation, limited access to clean
water, and weak health systems, disproportionately affecting rural populations.
The paper
noted that inn Liberia, NTDs have contributed to chronic illness, disability,
stigma, lost productivity, and entrenched poverty, particularly in
hard-to-reach counties. Health experts note that while these diseases rarely
dominate headlines, their cumulative impact has undermined livelihoods, reduced
school attendance among children, and strained fragile healthcare services.
Across
West Africa, the burden of NTDs has similarly slowed development, reinforcing
cycles of poverty in communities already grappling with the effects of
conflict, climate shocks, and underinvestment in health infrastructure.
Despite
the challenges, Liberia has made notable progress. Dr. Olu commended the
country for what he described as a global milestone—becoming the first country
in the world to develop a five-year strategic plan dedicated specifically to
combating NTDs among vulnerable populations.
“This
is a major step forward and a clear demonstration of Liberia’s commitment to
addressing diseases that continue to affect the poorest and most marginalized,”
Dr. Olu said.
The
plan provides a coordinated framework for prevention, treatment, surveillance,
and community engagement, aligning national efforts with global elimination
targets. The country’s progress has also been supported by years of mass drug
administration campaigns, improved disease mapping, and partnerships with
international donors and non-governmental organizations.
Dr.
Olu reaffirmed WHO’s continued technical and financial support to the Ministry
of Health, including assistance with the supply and distribution of medicines
targeting endemic counties.
“We
will continue to provide medicines and support efforts to reach at least two
million people in epidemic-prone counties,” he said.
However,
he cautioned that external support alone will not be sufficient to eliminate
NTDs.
“There
is a need to scale up domestic resource mobilization to sustain prevention and
control efforts and further reduce the spread of neglected tropical diseases,”
Dr. Olu emphasized.
Health
experts say this call reflects a broader shift in global health policy—urging
countries to move from donor-dependence toward national ownership and long-term
financing of disease control programs.
Speaking
on behalf of the Minister of Health, Assistant Minister for Preventive
Services, Dr. Cuallau Howe, reaffirmed the government’s determination to
minimize and ultimately eliminate NTDs nationwide.
“The
Government remains fully committed to strengthening prevention, treatment, and
surveillance programs, especially in hard-to-reach communities,” Dr. Howe said.
He
praised development partners for their sustained contributions, describing them
as essential to Liberia’s progress so far.
“The
support of our partners has been instrumental in reducing the burden of these
diseases, and we remain grateful for their continued cooperation,” he added.
If
Liberia heeds WHO’s call for intensified action, public health experts say the
benefits could be transformative. Strengthened domestic financing, expanded
community outreach, and improved surveillance could accelerate the elimination
of several NTDs, reduce long-term healthcare costs, and improve productivity in
rural areas.
Eliminating
NTDs would also contribute directly to poverty reduction, improved educational
outcomes for children, and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals,
particularly those related to health, equality, and economic growth.
Conversely,
failure to sustain momentum could risk resurgence, especially in remote
communities where access to health services remains limited.
The
World NTD Day program brought together officials from the Ministry of Health,
representatives of international non-governmental organizations, students, and
members of the Network of People Affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases,
highlighting the importance of community voices in shaping effective responses.
Observed
annually, World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day serves as a reminder that
diseases affecting the poorest must no longer remain invisible.
As Dr.
Olu’s call underscores, the fight against NTDs in Liberia is no longer only
about treatment—it is about equity, resilience, and national development. With
sustained political will, domestic investment, and continued partnership,
Liberia has an opportunity not only to control these diseases, but to eliminate
them as a barrier to human dignity and progress.
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