Monrovia – The West African School of Physicians (WACP) has concluded its ninth Annual Common Meeting and Scientific Assembly in Monrovia, bringing collectively well being consultants and policymakers to debate sensible options to handle the urgent challenges dealing with Liberia and the broader area’s well being techniques.
By Julius Konton, contributing author
Held below the theme “A Nearer Take a look at the Well being System: Intersectoral Collaboration for Enhancing Well being Indicators,” the gathering emphasised the necessity for stronger partnerships throughout sectors to enhance well being outcomes.
Duworko: “That is about options, not simply knowledge”
Talking on the ceremony, Dr. Musu Duworko, WACP Vice President and Chairperson of the Liberia Chapter, confused that the assembly was not solely about analyzing statistics however about discovering actionable options.
“It’s about forging stronger intersectoral partnerships, investing in frontline providers, and making certain that each mom and each new child has entry to high quality care, regardless of the place they dwell,” Dr. Duworko mentioned.
She described Liberia’s well being indicators as each “sobering and pressing,” noting that maternal mortality stays among the many highest within the area, whereas neonatal and under-five mortality charges proceed to problem progress regardless of the dedication of frontline employees.
Dr. Duworko additional highlighted persistent issues similar to little one stunting and losing, the heavy burden of malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV, and the rise of non-communicable illnesses like hypertension and diabetes. She confused that these figures characterize actual lives—moms who didn’t make it residence, kids who by no means reached their fifth birthday, and households fighting poverty and sickness.
Well being goes past clinics and hospitals
In line with Dr. Duworko, bettering well being requires broader collaboration throughout a number of sectors.
“Well being just isn’t the duty of the well being sector alone—it’s formed by the meals we develop, the water we drink, the roads we journey, the colleges we construct, and the insurance policies we enact,” she informed individuals.
She underscored that intersectoral collaboration is a necessity, not a luxurious, noting that vitamin in colleges can battle stunting, clear water in clinics prevents illness, and investments in medical insurance shield households from monetary destroy.
“The well being of a nation just isn’t constructed on isolation, however in school rooms, on farms, via roads and clear water techniques, in boardrooms and price range conferences, in addition to in clinics and working theaters,” she mentioned, calling on colleagues to behave boldly and urgently.
WHO stresses major well being care
Additionally addressing the meeting, Dr. Olushayo Olu, World Well being Group (WHO) Nation Consultant to Liberia, underscored the significance of strengthening major well being care, describing it as each cost-effective and impactful.
Delivering the keynote tackle on the 18th J.N. Togba Lecture, Dr. Olu urged Liberia to undertake major well being care as a cornerstone for well being system enchancment, citing success tales from international locations similar to Costa Rica, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Ghana. He additionally emphasised the necessity for stronger collaboration and political will to drive progress within the sector.
WACP’s progress in Liberia
Based on October 23, 1976, the WACP is made up of 5 basis chapters—Liberia, The Gambia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. Liberia’s chapter has grown steadily, now boasting 43 fellows, 12 members, and three physicians in coaching throughout numerous specialties.
The expansion of postgraduate medical training in Liberia has been supported by the Liberia Postgraduate Medical Council and the Liberia School of Physicians and Surgeons, which coordinate specialist coaching.
Honoring Dr. Massaquoi
The assembly ended with scientific classes and the popularity of Dr. Moses B.F. Massaquoi because the 2025 Distinguished Service Award recipient.
Dr. Massaquoi, a fellow of each WACP and the Liberia School of Physicians and Surgeons, is extensively revered for his contributions to the sector, notably his function as Liberia’s former Nationwide Ebola Case Supervisor and Chair of the Sub-Regional Consortium on Ebola Virus Vaccine and Therapeutic Trials in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mali.
His many years of service and management in well being system strengthening have been hailed by colleagues as exemplary, incomes him the faculty’s highest honor.
