Monrovia – The Liberian Senate has uncovered significant delays in the disbursement of funds allocated for county health teams and centers in the 2024 national budget. The discovery, made as part of the Senate’s commitment to reforming oversight, has forced the Ministries of Finance and Development Planning and Health to act swiftly, disbursing more than 80% of the allotted funds only after Senate intervention.
Despite these late disbursements, counties such as Bong and Bomi remain among the most affected, with more than 75% of their budgeted health allocations yet to be received. The delays have reportedly disrupted health services, leaving facilities struggling to operate effectively.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, County Health Officers (CHOs) from 14 of Liberia’s 15 counties appeared before the full Senate plenary to provide updates on the status of disbursements. While some counties reported full receipt of their allocated funds, others highlighted significant gaps. Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence has mandated the CHOs to submit detailed reports on the state of health services in their respective counties. These reports will cover infrastructure, sanitation, patient mobility, and the impact of USAID’s withdrawal from donor-funded programs.
In pursuit of accountability, the Senate has also summoned Health Minister Dr. Louise Mapleh to present the Ministry’s budget performance report for the 2024 fiscal year. The Senate is demanding a full account of imported and distributed medical supplies, citing growing concerns that health centers are not receiving essential drugs despite budgetary provisions. The Minister has been instructed to appear alongside officials from the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and the National Drug Service (NDS) to explain the persistent shortages.
The Senate’s decision follows concerns raised by Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh, who reported widespread complaints from health centers about unpaid funds and shortages of medical supplies. The 2024 budget allocated over USD 70 million to the health sector, yet disbursements have been sluggish, raising further questions about the government’s management of critical health resources.
