Authors: Tristan Dreisbach
Development Challenge: After the 2014 Ebola outbreak, officials in Liberia’s health ministry wanted to build a resilient health system that could help prevent a future crisis and provide necessary care in a public health emergency. The ministry also wished to improve health outcomes and build the confidence of Liberian citizens in the public health system.
Project Solution: The health ministry worked with external partners to create a plan for investing in the public health system. The plan, which set priorities for the period from 2015 to 2021, included investment in training and development of health personnel, re-engineering health infrastructure, and enhancing the disease surveillance and response system.
Project Results: As of 2019, the investment plan contributed to outcomes including the creation of a new cadre of frontline community health personnel, the founding of a new public health institute to advance disease surveillance and response, and infrastructure advancements including improved laboratory facilities, triages, and isolation units.
