By Abraham Copper
Grand Gedeh County — Liberia’s Ministry of Health, alongside international partners and county health teams, has opened its annual Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) review with calls for urgent, results-driven action to tackle emerging challenges.
The two-phase review—beginning in Zwedru and continuing in Kakata—brings together representatives from all 15 counties to assess 2025 performance and first-quarter 2026 progress, identify gaps, and align priorities.
Speaking for Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, Deputy Minister Atty. Malayah Tamba Chieyoe stressed that policy decisions must translate into real improvements in service delivery. She said the forum provides a critical platform for collaboration and warned against outcomes that “remain on paper.”
EPI Program Manager Dr. Adolphus Clarke highlighted funding constraints due to reduced support from GAVI and partners. He disclosed efforts to bridge gaps through a Liberia–United States government agreement, noting strict monitoring measures. Clarke also urged counties to explain persistent measles outbreaks despite high reported coverage.
World Health Organization Immunization Officer Dr. Tiala Korkpor Mulbah praised frontline workers and decentralization efforts but warned that “zero-dose” children remain a major concern.
UNICEF’s Timothy Paulus underscored support in logistics, vaccine delivery, and data systems, citing outreach that reached over 78,000 children in remote areas during the 2024 measles campaign.
The meeting features technical sessions on surveillance, supply chains, and community engagement.
