MONROVIA – Representative Sampson Weah of Sinoe County Electoral District #2 has called for closer collaboration between Health Minister Dr. Louis Kpoto and the Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), emphasizing the need for unified leadership in addressing the country’s public health challenges.
Weah, who also serves as co-chair of the House Committee on Health, raised concerns over the Minister’s absence at a recent national scientific conference on public health responses, suggesting it undermines ongoing efforts to tackle pressing health crises.
“The health sector requires strong political will and effective governance to confront ongoing public health challenges,” Weah said, criticizing the current approach of the Ministry of Health as insufficient to achieve national health objectives.
The conference brought together experts from both social and natural sciences to highlight the multifaceted nature of health crises in Liberia, particularly the lingering impact of outbreaks such as Ebola.
Weah stressed that even the most skilled health professionals cannot operate effectively without adequate infrastructure, training, and funding. He called for a reassessment of priorities to ensure resources are available and efficiently utilized in disease prevention and response initiatives.
In his concluding remarks, Weah reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to support the health sector through improved coordination with key ministries, including Finance, to ensure scientific research and public health programs are properly funded and implemented. Participants at the conference welcomed the lawmaker’s call for unity and focused action, underscoring the importance of collaboration across government and scientific institutions to build a healthier future for Liberia.
