Introduction to the Health Security Project (HeSP)
The government of Liberia has officially launched the Health Security Project (HeSP), a groundbreaking initiative valued at US$18 million. This multi-sectoral project aims to enhance the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies. The HeSP is a significant step forward in Liberia’s efforts to strengthen its health systems and ensure national preparedness against emerging threats.
Financing and Strategic Importance
Financed by the World Bank, the HeSP represents another milestone in Liberia’s journey toward building a more resilient health system. Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of sustaining progress made under previous health initiatives. She called on the World Bank and other global partners to continue their support as the IFISH Project phases out in August 2026.
The Minister highlighted the need for continued collaboration with the Global Financing Facility (GFF) to support the approval and implementation of Liberia’s Investment Case. She described this as crucial for advancing maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health, ensuring that “no one is left behind.”
Key Principles for Success
Dr. Kpoto stressed that the success of the new initiative will depend heavily on coordination, transparency, accountability, and national ownership among all implementing partners. She urged all stakeholders to ensure that the HeSP becomes a living example of partnership and purpose, one that saves lives, strengthens systems, and protects the future of the nation.
World Bank’s Commitment
Delivering remarks on behalf of the World Bank, Madam Georgia Wallen, Country Manager for Liberia, reaffirmed the Bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting Liberia’s health resilience and preparedness. She noted that today’s gathering reflects a collective commitment to building a strong coalition towards better health security in Liberia.
“The HeSP represents a transformative step forward,” Madam Wallen emphasized. “By incorporating lessons learned and best practices, this program will fortify Liberia’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies of all kinds.”
She added that while Liberia has made meaningful progress in improving health emergency preparedness, persistent threats such as deforestation, climate change, and antimicrobial resistance call for deeper investments to safeguard the country’s health and livelihoods.
Collaboration and Resource Deployment
Madam Wallen described collaboration as the “secret to success” for the initiative, urging all implementing agencies to work closely together to deliver tangible results. She specifically called for strong and effective collaboration in deploying resources under the HeSP to help contain the ongoing Mpox outbreak in Liberia.
Given the global reduction in development aid for health, she emphasized that working together is more important than ever.
Government and Legislative Support
Senator Dabah Varpilah, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, commended the Ministry of Health and its partners for their commitment to protecting the well-being of every Liberian. She noted that today marks another milestone in the effort to strengthen the health system.
“This moment represents a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to protecting the health and security of every community, household, and citizen,” Senator Varpilah said. She cautioned against letting our guard down, emphasizing that strengthening preparedness is not only about responding to emergencies after they happen but ensuring that routine systems are strong enough to prevent small threats from becoming national crises.
Budgetary Commitment and National Development
The Senator also acknowledged the government’s continued budgetary commitment to the health sector despite global reductions in donor funding. She remarked that this collaboration reflects a Liberia ready to break duplication of efforts, unite as one people, and respond to health threats not just as medical incidents but as national development issues.
Alignment with National Priorities
The launch of the HeSP underscores Liberia’s renewed focus on building a resilient health system aligned with the ARREST Agenda and national development priorities. With this launch, Liberia is setting a new standard for coordinated, multi-sectoral public health preparedness in West Africa.
“This initiative must become a living example of partnership and purpose, one that saves lives, strengthens systems, and protects the future of our nation,” the minister concluded.