Nimba County District #9 Representative Taa Wongbe is urging the Liberian government to make public the full details of the recently announced US–Liberia $176 million health memorandum of understanding, warning that transparency is essential to protect national sovereignty, particularly on issues related to health data and digital systems.
The landmark agreement—consisting of up to $125 million in direct U.S. support and an additional $51 million in required Liberian co-financing—has been widely praised as a major boost to the country’s health sector.
But Rep. Wongbe says enthusiasm must not overshadow due diligence.
“We warmly welcome this historic investment,” he said. “But partnership does not replace responsibility. Liberians deserve to know exactly what’s in this new $176 million health agreement.”
Wongbe is calling attention to global concerns surrounding the America First Global Health Strategy, under which the agreement falls. He referenced recent developments in Kenya, where a High Court placed a temporary halt on a $1.6 billion U.S.–Kenya health deal over issues related to data privacy and sovereignty.
“That should get our attention,” he warned, noting that leading institutions such as the Africa CDC, Public Citizen, Chatham House, the Center for Global Development, Georgetown University’s O’Neill Institute, and the Council on Foreign Relations’ Think Global Health have raised alarms over potential structural imbalances in similar bilateral health agreements.
According to Wongbe, Liberia is in an even more vulnerable position because the country still lacks a comprehensive national data protection law.
“When an agreement involves electronic medical records, national surveillance systems, or outbreak data, we must be extremely careful,” he said. “Health data is not just numbers; it is national security, privacy, and dignity.”
The lawmaker outlined three key demands:
Full public disclosure of the complete health agreement, including all annexes, appendices, data-sharing provisions, and any specimen-sharing clauses.
A temporary halt on sensitive data-sharing or audit-related activities until the MOU is fully reviewed and aligned with Liberian law.
Creation of a national framework to safeguard Liberian health data, ensuring Liberia retains ownership and control over all electronic medical records, surveillance systems, and pathogen information.
While reiterating his support for the partnership, Wongbe maintained that transparency is non-negotiable.
“This partnership with the United States is important, and we welcome it,” he said. “But partnership must never mean blind acceptance.
He confirmed that a letter has been dispatched to the Minister of Foreign Affairs requesting immediate public release of the full MOU and all related documents.
“Liberia’s health system must improve,” Wongbe emphasized, “but not at the cost of our sovereignty. Transparency strengthens trust, and trust strengthens partnerships.”
