MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The health ministry and partners have launched the 2026 Health Review Conference to enhance national consensus on the policy framework and implementation roadmap for universal Health coverage (UHC).
The conference seeks to mobilize high-level political commitment, technical consensus, and sustainable financing strategies for UHC in Liberia, with a focus on accelerating equitable access to quality maternal and newborn care.
Speaking on behalf of First Lady Kartumu Boakai, Dr Adam Kyne said,” The Second National Health Conference is more than a gathering of experts, describing it as a national examination of conscience”.
Dr. Kyne emphasized Universal Health Insurance (UHI) as a Catalyst for Maternal and Newborn Survival, placing a vital responsibility upon the nation.
He reminded the gathering that quality care must not depend upon a mother’s income, surname, location, education, or social standing.
Dr. Kyne added that the UHI must serve as a bridge between national policy and human survival, moving healthcare from privilege to protection, from uncertainty to assurance, and from distant promise to accessible service.
Dr. Adam Kyne said,” It is time to build a health system that reaches women before complications arise, protects them during delivery, and supports them after childbirth”.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Louis Kpoto has called for discussions and suggestions that will improve the health of the Liberian people.
Dr. Kpoto highlighted that the universal health insurance, once implemented, will help build the health system.
The health minister then commended President Joseph Boakai for his continuous leadership, placing health amongst the nation’s development priorities.
Dr. Kpoto added that the progress made so far in the sector is a result of collective efforts from health workers and partners, urging more investments in the health workforce and improvement in disease surveillance.
The health minister noted it is now time to intensify the campaign to reduce maternal and newborn deaths.
At the same time, WHO Representative Dr. Olushayo Olu has commended the government for continued commitment to improving access to essential health services.
Dr. Olu also praised Liberia’s commitment to the West Africa Regional Roadmap for Accelerating the reduction of Maternal and Neonatal Mortality.
Dr. Olu further added that the UN family looks forward to the finalization and launch of the national roadmap, which he believes will significantly accelerate progress towards the AAID target of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by 40 percent by 2029.
The WHO representative pledged the one UN commitment to engaging fully in the discussions and recommendations that would emerge from the conference and looks forward to future collaborations.
The conference, held on the theme, ” Introducing Universal Health Insurance in Liberia: Financing Quality Maternal and Newborn Care for All,” brought together officials from the Health Sector, civil society groups, government officials, and international partners.