By By: Contributing Writer
Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Health Civil Society Organization Network (LiHCON), a coalition of 22 member organizations, has called on the Government of Liberia to prioritize financial protection for health as a means of combating the growing issue of health-related poverty. The appeal comes as part of the commemoration of Universal Health Coverage Day 2024, held under the theme “Health Is On the Government.”
In a press statement signed by Co-Convener Ms. Joyce L. Kilikpo, LiHCON highlighted that health costs remain the biggest obstacle to accessing care, forcing many Liberians to choose between medical treatment and basic needs such as food and education. These trade-offs, the organization emphasized, worsen health outcomes, delay treatment, and deepen poverty.
LiHCON urged the government to establish a National Public Health Insurance Scheme that guarantees affordable access to essential healthcare services and medicines. “This was something the president mentioned in his inaugural and State of the Nation Address. We call on the president to ensure this becomes a reality for all Liberians,” the group stated.
Calls for Policy Clarity and Action
LiHCON also demanded clarity on the government’s policy regarding free healthcare. While the government adopted a free healthcare policy in 2006, the organization noted that unofficial fees are still being charged in public facilities, further burdening vulnerable populations.
“Tell us whether the government ascribes to free healthcare or not. If there are no fees, implement mechanisms to prevent service providers from shifting financial burdens onto the public,” the statement said.
The group also called for investments in climate-resilient health systems, strengthened primary healthcare, and decentralized health structures supported by national or county budgets.
Statistics Highlight Urgency
Citing the International Journal for Equity in Health, LiHCON revealed that 17% of Liberian households face catastrophic health expenditures, compared to a regional average of 11%. Additionally, out-of-pocket spending accounts for 56% of total health expenditures in Liberia, far above the regional average of 36%, according to the World Bank (2023).
“These figures underscore the urgent need to eliminate financial barriers to healthcare access,” LiHCON stated.
A Call for Social Participation
The CSO network also called for increased citizen participation in health policymaking through mechanisms such as Health Facility Development Committees to ensure community voices shape public health priorities and build trust between the government and the people.
Universal Health Coverage as a Catalyst for Growth
LiHCON reminded the government of its commitment to the 2023 Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which obligates Liberia to reduce out-of-pocket expenditures and increase access to quality health services. The network emphasized that investing in health is not only a moral imperative but also a driver of economic growth, reducing worker absenteeism and improving gender equality.
“We commend Liberia for endorsing the 2024 World Health Assembly resolution on social participation for UHC and urge swift action to implement its principles,” the statement added.
A Commitment to Collaboration
LiHCON pledged its readiness to collaborate with the government and stakeholders to implement these measures and achieve UHC, ensuring no Liberian is left behind due to health-related poverty.
Universal Health Coverage Day, celebrated annually on December 12, serves as a global reminder that affordable, quality healthcare is essential for individual and national prosperity.
