MONROVIA – Global healthcare systems have been recently challenged by the debilitating effects of the Corona Virus Disease, with Liberia being no exemption. The scourge has not only decimated global populations, but placed other important healthcare issues on the backburner. On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, the World Bank, in acknowledgment of the myriad of health challenges facing Liberia which was among the hardest hit West African countries in terms of the COVID-19 health crisis, has approved an Additional Financing (AF) of $31 million to strengthen health systems and improve health service delivery to women, children and adolescents in Liberia.
According to the World Bank in a September 28, 2022 presser, the latest financing, comprising of US$20 million International Development Association (IDA) concessional credit and a grant of US$11 million from the Global Financing Facility (GFF), will support the delivery of essential health services which have been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Despite improvements in the health system, Liberia still has some challenges leading to poor health and nutrition outcomes. Through this project, the Government of Liberia will be able to fill an existing financing gap, cover costs associated with expanding coverage of existing activities under the parent Project and implement new activities,” said World Bank Liberia Country Manager Khwima Nthara, adding, “ultimately, the project is expected to facilitate systems strengthening, improve service delivery, and achieve better health and nutrition outcomes in the country.”
“This AF is expected to improve operational efficiency and equity of access to quality healthcare services by scaling-up the provision of high-impact interventions, supporting the procurement of essential medicines and childhood vaccines.
“The financing will ensure rehabilitation and extension of health infrastructure at existing primary health facilities and integrating activities on health systems strengthening into a systematic approach towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“While the project will be implemented countrywide, the existing Performance-Based Financing (PBF) scheme will be scaled-up from three to six counties: Gbarpolu, Rivercess, Sinoe, Bomi, Grand Kru, and Maryland,” the World Bank noted.