Nearly six months into the COVID-19 response, Liberia’s National Incident Management System (IMS) conducted its first comprehensive review of the response activities to address the health needs and livelihood of nearly 5 million people.
The virtual conference reviewed the ongoing response, identified multisectoral solutions and broad partnerships to effectively respond and control the spread of COVID-19 as well as developed an Action Plan for the next six months.
The number of COVID-19 treatment facilities in the country has grown from one to 21. This has imposed a huge financial burden on the entire response, coupled with increasing expectations from front liners.
Additionally, as resources are redirected to the COVID-19 response, routine health service delivery has been affected, with a noticeable decline in health facility utilization of nearly 40%. The proportion of fully immunized children has dropped by about 39%; maternal and neonatal health indicators have fallen significantly.
Despite the concerted efforts by the Government and key donors to contain COVID-19, the number of confirmed cases continues to surge amidst meagre resources thus making it very challenging to effectively manage the response and sustain quality routine health care services.
UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Mr. Kingsley Amaning, stressed the need for accountability and transparency in the management of funding, to ensure trust among external investors and donors to the country. On behalf of all the UN Agencies, Dr. Peter Clement, WHO Country Representative in Liberia, thanked the Government of Liberia for convening the forum, and emphasized the linkages between COVID-19 response and routine health services in a resilient health system.
All speakers at the conference pledged their commitment to supporting the Government and develop an action plan to enhance efficiency of COVID-19 response and recovery, as well as to ensure the continuity of quality essential health services for the population.