Recently, Liberia has been experiencing an increase in the number of Monkeypox virus cases.
This is concerning and could potentially create fear among Liberians. Mpox, which is a rare virus, is hitting Africa, with Liberia being no exception. As of now, Liberia, through the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), has confirmed five cases.
With the rising number of diagnosed cases of the virus in the country, the House of Liberia has allocated US$500,000 to $1.5 million to fight the disease.
This decisive move aims to tackle the escalating monkeypox outbreak, as members of the House of Representatives agreed to allocate these funds.
The allocation, under the emblem of emergency funds ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million, is part of the 2024 Recast Budget.
The money is intended to support immediate response efforts and bolster public health initiatives in combating the virus, which has now affected over 51,000 individuals across nearly 100 countries, including Liberia.
During a special sitting on Tuesday, September 11, the House of Representatives approved these funds to enhance emergency preparedness and hazard support.
The allocation will be directed towards the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) to facilitate an aggressive and effective response to the monkeypox outbreak.
The decision follows a critical communication from the chairperson of the Health Committee, Representative Julie F. Wiah, who reported two confirmed monkeypox cases in Sinoe and Lofa Counties, along with several suspected cases.
This alarming update underscored the urgent need for increased funding to address the outbreak’s immediate challenges.
House Committee Chair on Ways, Means, Finance, and Development Planning Dixon Seboe has emphasized the importance of utilizing these funds effectively.
“We are considering an appropriation of between $500,000 and $1.5 million to support the monkeypox response,” Seboe stated. “Our goal is to ensure that these funds are used appropriately for treatment, education, and outreach efforts to the most affected communities.”
The House of Representatives’ Press and Public Affairs Office says that the allocated funds will support a range of critical activities, including the containment of the outbreak through equitable interventions and the distribution of culturally sensitive educational materials.
This emergency funding represents a crucial step in the collective effort to curb the spread of monkeypox and safeguard public health in affected regions.
The House of Representatives remains committed to supporting robust measures that address both immediate and long-term needs in response to this global health crisis.
Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, National Public Health Institute of Liberia – NPHIL
