MONROVIA – The Ministry of Health on today convened the inaugural steering committee meeting under the Health Security Project (HeSP), a World Bank-supported project aimed at bolstering the country’s capacity to respond to public health threats.
The meeting was held at the Ministry’s head office in Congo Town with representations of key government stakeholders; including representatives from the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP).
In her opening remarks, the Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, who chaired the session, officially declared the meeting open on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.
“On behalf of His Excellency, the President of Liberia and the Ministry of Health, I want to take this time to welcome you all to this Project Steering Committee meeting of the Project Implementation Unit,” Dr. Kpoto stated.
“This is a crucial moment as we discuss the implementation of the Health Security Project. I especially want to recognize and welcome all our implementing partners from various government agencies, including NPHIL. I now move that this meeting be officially opened.” Dr. Kpoto emphasized. “The urgency of this project, particularly in the context of Liberia’s recent public health alerts and the need for an integrated, interagency response framework.”
Addressing the gathering also was Mr. Matthew T. K. Flomo, Head of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) at the Ministry of Health. He highlighted the timeliness of the project amid the country’s ongoing struggle with disease outbreaks such as monkeypox.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Health and specifically the Project Implementation Unit of the World Bank Health Portfolio, we are very pleased to hold this first Project Steering Committee meeting for the Health Security Project,” Flomo said. “As we speak, Liberia is experiencing a monkeypox outbreak, and this makes the implementation of this project not just timely but urgent. This project will help us address critical activities including sovereign-level interventions such as laboratory confirmations and surveillance.”
Flomo further explained that the implementers of the HeSP include MOH, NPHIL, EPA, MOA and MFDP. He noted that these institutions have already endorsed the Project Implementation Manual, Workplan, and Budget; and are now positioned to commence full-scale implementation.
“We are now in the position to roll out the project implementation as quickly as possible,” he added. “We appreciate everyone presence and commitment to advancing Liberia’s health security.”
According to the Terms of Reference presented during the meeting, the PSC is established to provide strategic direction, oversight, and governance for the Health Security Project. It is charged with ensuring alignment with national health priorities, facilitating inter-ministerial coordination, and approving major deliverables and milestones.
The PSC core responsibilities include: overseeing project implementation, approving annual workplans and budgets, monitoring and evaluating progress, resolving implementation challenges, and ensuring effective stakeholders’ communication.
The PSC is composed of senior officials and subject matter experts. It is mandated to meet monthly or as needed, with provisions for emergency sessions and both in-person and virtual formats.
Regular reports will be presented to the Minister of Health to ensure accountability and transparency.
The Health Security Project supported by the World Bank, represents a significant effort to build Liberia’s resilience against epidemics, pandemics, and emerging public health threats.
