Monrovia – A nine-man high power health delegation on a nationwide tour to assess the performance of the health sector has called on government to allocate more resources to the country’s health sector.
The delegation headed by Deputy Health Minister for Administration, Norwu Howard, suggested that government’s support to health facilities must be timely.
Minister Howard lauded partners of the health sector for their contribution, but insisted that the government of Liberia must do more to improve the sector and shoulder its own responsibility.
The health delegation’s comment is in response to its assessment of shortage of essential drugs and inadequate personnel affecting smooth healthcare delivery in Bong County.
The county health team told the delegation that the non-supply of drugs for a year has constrained public health facilities in the county to purchase drugs and other medical supplies on their own.
Earlier, the team named measles, yellow fever and Lassa fever, among others as diseases affecting the population in Bong County. The county is, however, carrying out massive community engagement, vaccination campaigns and active case management as response efforts.
The team asserted that salary payment was regular but was short on regular support for healthcare delivery services.
The members of the delegation touring the country include, World Health Organization, The US-based Center for Disease Control and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia.
The ongoing field mission started Tuesday in Margibi County, where the delegation met with the county Health team for nearly an hour.
Discussions were centered around human resource issue, drugs and medical supplies and logistical support that will enhance health care delivery in the county.
The county health team also reported increase in measles cases particularly in an area called Mamba Community due to port sanitary condition.
The county team also attributed the measles cases to the non-vaccination of the citizens beyond the required age group for the vaccines.