MONROVIA โ The Ministry of Health (MOH), through its Non-Communicable Diseases and Injuries (NCDI) Unit, has launched a national initiative to integrate diabetes and hypertension care into routine health services across Liberia.
The diabetes and hypertension care initiative thatโs being implemented by NCDI in partnership with Ganta United Methodist Hospital and supported by the World Diabetes Foundation, aims to build the capacity of community-based support structures to strengthen chronic disease management at the grassroots level.
As part of the initiative, a series of Support Group Leadership Trainings are being held from June 25 to July 4, 2025, across regional clusters. The training targets individuals living with or supporting people affected by non-communicable diseases, empowering them with essential knowledge and skills.
The sessions focus on diabetes and hypertension care, promotion of nutrition through backyard gardening, and basic community health budgeting. Participants are expected to serve as peer educators, transferring their knowledge to local support groups to promote self-care and healthier communities.
This initiative was first launched in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, covering the southeastern counties including Sinoe, Grand Kru, and River Gee. Subsequent sessions were held in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, for participants from Grand Bassa, Rivercess, Gbarpolu, Bomi and Grand Cape Mount counties.
The training taking place in Ganta, Nimba County, for this week is covering participants from Margibi, Bong, Nimba and Lofa counties. The final phase for the initiative commenced today for Montserrado county. In Maryland county, a similar initiative is being implemented by one of MOH partners.
Heads of support groups from each county, many of whom live with diabetes or hypertension, received glucose meters and test strips to facilitate regular monitoring and effective self-management of their conditions.
This integrated approach reflects the Ministryโs ongoing commitment to enhancing preventive and primary healthcare services and tackling the rising burden of non-communicable diseases through community empowerment and universal health coverage.
