Faith Leaders Demand Health Equity Action

-APCI Forum Bridges Global and Local Care

Against a backdrop of persistent maternal deaths, overstretched rural clinics, and the steady rise of non-communicable diseases, global health advocates and Pentecostal church leaders meeting in Monrovia warned that “health for all” must move from slogan to system. At the 17th General Biennial Conference of the Association of Pentecostal Churches International (APCI), speakers stressed that Liberia’s path to universal health care depends on practical partnerships between government, faith-based providers, and international agencies—anchored in access, community trust, and cultural relevance. The forum argued that faith institutions, often the first responders in underserved communities, must be fully integrated into national health planning if Liberia is to close equity gaps and strengthen outbreak preparedness.

The APCI Global Health Awareness Forum was held under the theme “Making Health a Reality for All: The Challenge for the Global Health Community.” It convened bishops, pastors, health professionals, government officials, development partners, media representatives, and community leaders.

Dr. Jeff Wubbenhorst, speaking on behalf of his wife, Dr. Monique Chireau Wubbenhorst—a veteran OB/GYN with 35 years of experience in clinical medicine, public health, and international development—said global initiatives must reflect local realities. He stressed that universal health requires not only access to care but also utilization of services and empowerment of families to take ownership of their health.

Citing the 2014 West Africa Ebola crisis, Dr. Wubbenhorst said the outbreak showed how global and local health are inseparable. Early community reporting and trusted local institutions, he noted, are essential to detecting and stopping epidemics before they spread.

The forum examined Liberia’s demographic realities, noting that with more than 5.7 million people—about 63 percent under age 25—the country holds vast human potential but faces urgent health challenges. Participants highlighted high maternal and child mortality, the growth of chronic diseases, and under-resourced rural facilities as priorities demanding coordinated national action.

Speakers underscored the historic role of faith-based institutions across sub-Saharan Africa, observing that such organizations often deliver the majority of frontline care in remote communities. Their presence, they said, makes them indispensable partners in prevention campaigns, maternal health services, vaccination drives, and health education.

Participants called for structured collaboration built on accountability, shared planning, and mutual respect. They also urged that health programs protect human dignity and avoid ideological conflicts that weaken community trust.

“Global health becomes local health when we strengthen marriages, families, and communities,” Dr. Wubbenhorst said, adding that thoughtful resource allocation and honest communication are essential to lasting progress.

Attendees described the forum as a practical platform for aligning global expertise with grassroots solutions. Recommendations included integrating faith-based facilities into national health strategies, strengthening community-based surveillance, and investing in youth-focused health education.

The APCI 17th General Biennial Conference continues through February 21, 2026, with sessions on social development, youth engagement, and spiritual leadership.