WHO Supports Liberia in Resource Mapping for Enhanced Health Security

Following a national review of the implementation progress and challenges of the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) of Liberia, the Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization conducted an exercise in resource mapping and partner coordination to accelerate NAPHS implementation.

The exercise from August 23-27 in Monrovia involved use of the resource mapping (REMAP) tool and process developed by WHO to identify existing and potential resources for NAPHS implementation. The tool maps the health security projects being supported in the country through financial and technical assistance. This allows policymakers and partners to see where gaps exist and where more investment of resources is needed in specific areas for implementation in the NAPHS. The Multisectoral Engagement for Health Security (MHS) Unit at WHO Headquarters supported the exercise in close collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Africa and the Country Office.

Dr. Zabulon Yoti, WHO Acting Representative in Liberia, commended the Ministry of Health for ensuring a mechanism that enables all partners to work together to discuss priorities and identify synergies, areas for multisectoral coordination, and collaboration. “What we are looking at here is not only for the Ministry of Health but threats and solutions to threats beyond the health sector and no one individual partner can support the country alone” he said.

The face-to-face workshop, held under strict observance of COVID-19 protocols, brought together over 65 participants including representatives from line ministries: Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Labor, the Expanded Programme on Immunization, the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia, National Public Health Institute of Liberia, County Health Officers, and experts from partners, including FAO, World Bank, US-CDC, USAID, IRC, GIZ, JICA, AFENET, and WHO.

The exercise resulted in the mapping of more $69 million in health security interventions in the country, and the identification of which areas are being supported. The mapping, which continues in the country with WHO support, is being used for evidence-based dialogue between government and partners on addressing gaps and needs and strengthening collaboration for preparedness.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah, commended the resource mapping effort and spoke on the importance of partnership. She noted progress made in country capacities since the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak, adding that Liberia “has the capability to bring together partners to mount a strong response as evidenced with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Please click here to learn more about the REMAP tool

For further information regarding Liberia's REMAP work, click here.