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Cabinet officials

Liberia's Health Minister Calls for Stronger Health Systems in Africa

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Liberia's Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, has emphasized the need for African nations to build stronger and more resilient health systems, urging unity among member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region to address the continent's pressing health challenges. Delivering her remarks at the 75th Regional Committee Meeting (RC75) in Lusaka, Zambia, Dr. Kpoto commended the new WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, and his vision for transforming health outcomes across the continent.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Kpoto called for stronger health systems in Africa, emphasizing the need for primary healthcare revitalization, emergency preparedness, equity, and local interventions.
  • The Minister of Health highlighted the importance of building resilient, people-centered health systems that can withstand the continent's pressing health challenges.
  • Dr. Kpoto urged African governments to confront the growing impact of climate change on public health with urgency and coordinated action.
  • The 75th Regional Committee Meeting (RC75) in Lusaka brought together health ministers, policymakers, and development partners to deliberate on health financing, system resilience, pandemic preparedness, and strategies for achieving Africa's long-term health security.
  • Dr. Kpoto emphasized the need for innovative approaches to increasing health financing, building stronger partnerships, and ensuring greater efficiency in resource mobilization and utilization.

Statistics:

  • The WHO African Region is home to 47 countries, with a combined population of over 1.3 billion people.
  • Africa accounts for 24% of the global burden of diseases, with a significant proportion of these diseases being preventable.
  • The WHO African Region has made significant progress in reducing child mortality, with a 49% decline between 2000 and 2019.
  • The region also experienced a high burden of infectious diseases, including cholera, mpox, and Ebola.

Sources:

  • M2 PressWIRE-August 26, 2025-
  • World Health Organization (WHO) African Region
  • Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia

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