In 100 Days of Deliverables Gov’t makes Headways in Health Sector

On the scorecard of the 100 Days of Deliverables of the Unity Party Alliance (UPA) led Government, there have been high marks scored in the health sector of the country owing to major interventions made to better the sector.

The report of 100-Day Action Plan Assessment Report, which was launched by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) at the weekend, examines the government’s progress consistent with its short-term policy priorities. The plan was developed to address critical needs of the Liberian people while laying the foundation for the development of a medium-term plan.

Accordingly, during the period under review, the Liberian government under the stewardship of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. transitioned 123 beneficiaries of the At-Risk Youth Program from rehabilitation to recovery and reintegration; following his declaration of substance abuse as a national emergency.

Also, since the declaration by President Boakai, the following interventions have been achieved/ongoing, and these include: mental health and substance abuse awareness in 26 high schools, four churches, two mosques, and eight radio stations and the initiation of school health clubs within 20 high schools in Montserrado to encourage peer monitoring in promotion of healthy habits among students.

Colombo Plan Credentialing Exam was held for 68 Addiction Professionals upon completing training and 15 domestic scholarships were secured annually through the Ministry of Education for Mental Health Clinicians to pursue Master’s degree in Advanced Practice Clinical Psychiatric Mental Health.

The government also reached an agreement with partners for the purchase of medications used in treating Substance Use Disorder, and 50-acre of public land was identified in Bentol for the construction of a National Referral Neuropsychiatric Hospital.

Essential medicines and medical supplies were distributed to 100% drug depots in 13 counties around the country and last mile distributions to Montserrado and Margibi Counties have achieved 100%.

The government has distributed up to 95% of essential and tracer medicines and medical supplies to last mile public health facilities around the country, and all public health facilities have tracer medicines and essential medicines.

To ensure transparency in the health sector, audit of payrolls and personnel is ongoing.

Furthermore, out of 763 health facilities with Labs, there has been an estimated reduction from 70% to 30% stock-out of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT). And of the 763 health facilities with Labs, there has been an estimated reduction from 75% to 30% in stockout of reagents and others for microscopy and adolescents training provided to 250 people.

The government also secured 15 domestic scholarships annually through the Ministry of Education for Mental Health Clinicians to pursue master’s degree in Advanced Practice Clinical Psychiatric Mental Health.

Furthermore, period witnessed last mile distribution of drugs and medical consumables to Montserrado and Margibi Counties.

In addition, sites have been identified for the construction of four regional diagnostic centers, and a consignment of rapid diagnostic test kits were distributed to 70% of clinics and communities around the country.

At the same time, within the short period, the Government of Liberia under the stewardship of President Boakai has improved transparency and accountability in the governance space by enforcing the rule of law, strengthening financial oversight, and promoting ethical practices across all sectors to combat corruption effectively. The improvement of infrastructure with special emphasis on making primary roads pliable during all seasons, and upgrading ICT and meteorological equipment at Liberia’s premier airport, Roberts International Airport (RIA), are a few outstanding accomplishments. Furthermore, the fight against drugs and the provision of educational opportunities to youth is a notable progress mentioned in the report.

Accordingly, during the period under review, the government appropriated US$23,488,543 for the successful implementation of the plan. The recalling and resubmission of the FY2024 National Budget delayed the implementation of key 100-Day deliverables.

The report states that a total number of interventions in the 100-Day Action Plan is 87, stating that 20 funded interventions constituting 23 percent of the total while the remaining 67 interventions are routine, representing 77 percent.

“The status of the interventions is either completed, ongoing or pending. The ongoing and completed constitute the progress made so far. The report combines the completed and ongoing interventions because some interventions such as road maintenance, and drainage and sewage cleaning are ongoing. Therefore, the combined number of completed and ongoing interventions is 64 which constitutes 74 percent of the total interventions; while the remaining 20 interventions representing 26 percent are pending. The pending routine interventions were delayed owing to the fact that the government was still being constituted, delays due to the recalling of the budget, and funding constraints. These are being prioritized for completion.”