Liberia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, has issued a stark warning that Africa’s health sector is on the brink of a major crisis due to declining international donor support. Speaking at the 75th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa, Dr. Kpoto emphasized that critical health programs—particularly child immunization, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria—are at risk of collapse if urgent action is not taken. The high-level summit, held from August 25 to 27 in Lusaka, Zambia, convened health ministers, technical experts, and development partners from across the continent to assess progress and set strategic priorities for regional health systems. As First Vice President of the WHO Regional Committee, Dr. Kpoto’s remarks carried significant weight, reflecting both Liberia’s national concerns and broader continental challenges. “We are witnessing a troubling decline in donor commitments, and this is directly impacting our ability to deliver life-saving services,” Dr. Kpoto stated. “If this trend continues, the gains we’ve made in immunization, disease control, and maternal health could be reversed.” Dr. Kpoto’s intervention comes at a time when many African countries are grappling with post-pandemic recovery, rising inflation, and constrained public budgets. According to WHO regional data, several donor-funded health programs have already experienced budget cuts, leading to service disruptions in vulnerable communities. In Liberia, donor support has historically underpinned national efforts to combat infectious diseases and improve maternal and child health. The Minister warned that without sustained external financing, the country could face setbacks in its fight against preventable illnesses and its pursuit of universal health coverage. Experts at the summit noted that shifting geopolitical interests, global economic uncertainty, and competing humanitarian crises have contributed to a reallocation of donor resources away from Africa’s health sector. Dr. Kpoto urged development partners to reconsider these shifts and reaffirm their commitments to Africa’s health priorities. “We must not allow financial fatigue to erode decades of progress,” she said. “It is time for Africa to lead with resilience, but we need our partners to stand with us—not step away.” In addition to appealing for renewed donor engagement, Dr. Kpoto called on African governments to explore innovative domestic financing mechanisms. These include health levies, regional solidarity funds, and public-private partnerships aimed at reducing dependency on external aid. Her remarks sparked a broader conversation among delegates about the need for sustainable health financing, improved governance, and regional cooperation to protect essential services. The WHO Regional Committee for Africa serves as the organization’s highest decision-making body in the region. Each year, it endorses policies, activities, and financial plans aimed at improving health outcomes across the continent. This year’s session focused on strengthening health systems, enhancing disease surveillance, and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Kpoto’s intervention is expected to influence upcoming resolutions and shape donor engagement strategies in the months ahead.
