By G. Watson Richards
The Ministry of Health has completed a four-day series of national consultations aimed at accelerating the country’s implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), in response to rising health and economic concerns linked to tobacco use.
The meetings, held from April 28 to May 1 in Monrovia, were supported by the World Health Organization and brought together lawmakers, health professionals, government agencies, civil society groups, and representatives from the WHO Regional Office for Africa.
Officials say the discussions focused on strengthening Liberia’s legal and policy framework to better align with international obligations under the WHO tobacco control treaty.
A key priority during the consultations was advancing domestic adoption of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, an international agreement designed to curb smuggling and illegal distribution networks that undermine public health and state revenue.
Participants reviewed existing gaps in enforcement and regulation, noting that despite Liberia’s accession to the FCTC in 2004 and ratification in 2009, implementation has remained inconsistent across sectors.
The consultations also explored strategies to improve taxation policies, strengthen public awareness campaigns, and enhance coordination between regulatory agencies to reduce tobacco consumption nationwide.
Speaking on behalf of Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, Dr. Gabriel Gorbee Logan stressed the urgency of translating treaty commitments into concrete national action.
“We must move beyond commitments on paper to decisive enforcement that protects the health of our people, especially young Liberians who remain vulnerable to tobacco marketing and addiction,” he said.
He added that closing enforcement gaps would require stronger political will, improved institutional coordination, and sustained public education efforts across the country.
The World Health Organization reaffirmed its support for Liberia’s tobacco control agenda, highlighting the importance of aligning national legislation with global health standards under the WHO FCTC framework.
Health experts at the consultations warned that tobacco-related illnesses continue to place a growing burden on Liberia’s healthcare system, contributing to preventable deaths and long-term economic strain on families and the state.
Civil society representatives called for more aggressive enforcement of advertising restrictions and greater protection for young people, urging lawmakers to prioritize public health over industry interests.
The Ministry of Health said the outcomes of the consultations will inform a national roadmap for tobacco control reforms, including proposed legislative updates and expanded collaboration with international partners to strengthen enforcement capacity.
