Monrovia, Liberia – 29 April 2025 –Liberia has officially launched its national End Malaria Council, a platform bringing together leaders from government, civil society, the private sector, and development partners to strengthen efforts in the fight against malaria. The Liberia End Malaria Council becomes the 11th to be established in Africa and will work to ensure malaria remains a priority across all sectors. Liberia was the second country to launch on World Malaria Day this year, following Burkina Faso’s launch.

The launch, which took place during Liberia’s World Malaria Day commemorations at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Paynesville, was led by Dr. Teyah Sackie Moore, Assistant Minister for Curative Services at the Ministry of Health, on behalf of the Minister of Health Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, and saw the participation of senior leaders from various sectors, including government, civil society, the private sector, youth organisations, and development partners.

The Government of Liberia, led by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., is committed to tackling diseases like malaria and working towards both national and global goals to reduce its impact. Ending malaria in Liberia requires a collective effort from all sectors, which is why we are establishing this council to support ongoing investment, commitment, and new approaches aimed at eradicating malaria in the country.

Dr. Teyah Sackie Moore, Assistant Minister for Curative Services at the Ministry of Health

The establishment of the End Malaria Council is expected to strengthen coordination, increase accountability, and create opportunities for domestic public and private resource mobilisation, all aimed at addressing gaps in Liberia’s malaria response. Malaria remains endemic in Liberia, with continuous transmission throughout the year, putting the entire population of 5.2 million at risk. It continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, accounting for 34% of all outpatient consultations and 48% of all inpatient cases.

Despite significant progress over the past five years, with the number of confirmed malaria cases falling from 1.8 million in 2018 to 1.4 million in 2023, representing a 44% reduction, malaria remains a persistent threat. Efforts to distribute insecticide-treated nets, improve access to treatment, and engage in community health outreach have helped, but malaria continues to cause high mortality, particularly among children under five and pregnant women.

Given the shifts in donor priorities, we can no longer rely on external support alone. Countries must take the lead by mobilising domestic resources, engaging the private sector, and encouraging in-kind contributions. We’ve seen that when countries establish End Malaria Councils, they improve coordination, raise domestic resources, and keep malaria on the national agenda

Prof. Sheila Tlou, ALMA Special Ambassador

The launch of Liberia’s End Malaria Council is well-timed, coming at a moment when the fight against malaria in Africa faces increasing challenges. This initiative, alongside similar efforts across the continent, aligns with the growing need for a coordinated response. Extreme weather events, insecticide resistance, overstretched health systems, and reduced global funding are all obstacles that threaten to reverse the progress made in malaria control. In light of these challenges, the Liberia End Malaria Council will be a key player in the Big Push initiative, which seeks to scale up locally-driven solutions, strengthen health systems, and increase domestic financing for malaria elimination. These efforts align with the African Union’s Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, TB and Eliminate Malaria in Africa by 2030, 

Across Africa, End Malaria Councils have demonstrated their effectiveness by raising over US$125 million in domestic resources by the end of 2024. These councils also ensure that malaria remains a key priority for governments, keeping it at the forefront of political and policy discussions.

We cannot afford to lose ground. Ending malaria is both a health and development imperative. With the council in place, Liberia is committed to taking the necessary steps. We are uniting all sectors to prioritise malaria, mobilise resources, and hold ourselves accountable.

Ms. Sara E. Buchanan, Chairperson of the Liberia End Malaria Council and Executive Director of the Orange Foundation Liberia and Orange Digital Center Liberia

The Liberia End Malaria Council consists of a group of committed leaders from various sectors, each bringing valuable experience to the fight against malaria. Among them is Ms. Sara Buchanan, the Chairperson, whose leadership will guide the council’s efforts. Alongside Mr Sara Buchanan, the private sector is represented by Mr. Mohammed A. Dukuly. Civil society members of the council include Rev. Dr. Samuel B. Reeves, Mr. Elijah S. Tingban, Rev. Dr. Samuel Reeves Jr, Sr. Barbara Brilliant and Madam Yassah G. Karmo. Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr, Minister Dehpue Zuo and Sen. Dabah Varpilah represent the public sector on the council. 

Liberia joins a growing number of African countries in establishing national End Malaria Councils and Funds, including Burkina Faso, Eswatini, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zanzibar.