Articles about Liberia

By Moctar Menta  When conflict, climate disasters or epidemics strike, essential health services are often the first to collapse. Yet, the need for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) does not disappear or diminish with humanitarian crises. Instead, in most instances, it becomes more urgent and critical. In these moments, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) responds rapidly to ensure that women, adolescents, and other vulnerable populations have access to the care they need to stay healthy and safe.  Between 2024 - 2025, IPPF, through its humanitarian funding mechanisms –Stream 3 and SPRINT, delivered emergency SRH services in over 11 African countries. Stream 3 -which is IPPF’s internal rapid funding tool, and SPRINT –supported by the Australian Government, enabled local IPPF Member Associations (MAs) to act quickly in the face of crises. From conflict zones to flood-hit communities, these responses brought care directly to people, often where no other services were available.  In sub-Saharan Africa, IPPF facilitated more than 215,000 people’s access to SRH and related clinical services during this period. Over 70% of these beneficiaries were women and girls. The range of services included family planning, antenatal and maternal care, HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and management, as well as support for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Children under five were also treated for infections and dehydration, especially in areas facing food insecurity or disease outbreaks.    Nigeria  In Nigeria, where floods displaced thousands, IPPF’s MA in Nigeria -the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) reached over 13,000 people in 20 outreach points in Jigawa State. Among them, 4,600 were tested for HIV and more than 1,300 received family planning services, 700 of them for the first time. An emergency care set-up was managed on-site by outreach staff, where emergency cases were handled, including women in labor.  “Reaching flood-affected communities within hours of the alert was key,” said Dr. Paul Odigbo, PPFN Programme Manager. “Women arrived in labor or without access to medication. We had to be there, no matter what.”    Ethiopia  In Ethiopia, where conflict in the Tigray region has disrupted services, more than 45,000 people were reached with SRHR services courtesy of the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia (FGAE), which is IPPF’s MA in the country. FGAE’s interventions helped avert over 600 unintended pregnancies and more than 130 unsafe abortions. Unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions are among the leading causes of maternal illness and death in humanitarian settings, where access to contraception and safe care is often severely limited.   Women like Selam, a 31-year-old displaced mother, described how antenatal care and cervical cancer screening brought hope after months without medical access.   “When we were forced to move, we lost everything. But the care from FGAE. The organization gave me hope again,” she said.    South Sudan  South Sudan presented even greater challenges. Resulting from ongoing conflict, economic collapse, and an influx of returnees fleeing violence in Sudan, the country continues to face widespread displacement and strained health systems.   Despite the insecurity and displacement, nearly 15,000 individuals (10,400 female and 4,400 male) were reached with services ranging from GBV care to antenatal support, courtesy of Reproductive Health Association of South Sudan (RHASS) -which is IPPF’s representative in the country. Over 1,800 clients received contraceptives, and 235 births were supported in a mix of services offered by RHASS in collaboration with partner government health facilities.   Mary, a survivor of sexual violence, described how access to counseling and care provided by RHASS health workers helped her begin to heal.   “I wanted to give up,” she said. “But the health workers gave me strength.”     Mozambique  In Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province, the district of Mecúfi faced the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which destroyed homes and significant health infrastructures, among other destructions. In response, Associação Moçambicana para o Desenvolvimento da Família (AMODEFA) -IPPF’s local partner in the country, deployed mobile clinics, delivered dignity kits, and conducted community talks on family planning and gender-based violence prevention.   Over 15,000 people (9,500 female and 5,700 male) received services. Clinical interventions included family planning services, STI treatment, antenatal care, and psychosocial support for GBV survivors, with more than 40 mobile health brigades deployed across isolated communities.   In Chad, despite political tensions and the arrival of thousands of refugees fleeing conflict in Sudan, over 10,000 people received SRH services, including 4,300 who accessed different forms of contraception. IPPF’s local partners in Senegal (Action et Développement (ACDEV); in the Central African Republic (Association Centrafricaine pour le Bien-Être Familial (ACABEF), and in Liberia (Community Healthcare Initiative (CHI) each delivered services to thousands of displaced or flood-affected populations. In Kenya, the Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK) reached over 12,000 people, including many first-time family planning users.    Adaptability measures to ensure service provision  This scale of impact would not have been possible without adaptability measures. In places like Liberia and the Central African Republic (CAR), Member Association staff navigated blocked roads by boats and motorbikes. In South Sudan, outreach teams coordinated with local authorities and security actors to access camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs). Where abortion care was legally restricted, teams focused on post-abortion care, contraception, and counseling.  Social media was also used to raise awareness and mobilize communities. Equally important was the effort to tell these stories. AMODEFA’s communication strategy included publishing over 60 social media posts that highlighted stories of courage and resilience. The visibility helped build trust, encourage health-seeking behavior, and show communities that they were not forgotten. The AMODEFA Facebook page saw engagement increase by more than 230% in just two months.  The results went beyond clinical numbers. In each country, exit strategies were developed to transition emergency services into comprehensive SRH services. In response to emergencies, service delivery points (SDPs) were established in each country to meet immediate sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs. As the crises subsided, six SDPs were transitioned into permanent MA static clinics to ensure continued access to essential SRHR services in Nigeria and Kenya. In CAR, three SDPs were successfully transitioned.    Effective partnerships   In South Sudan, eight public health facilities, including Gumbo and Rokon primary healthcare facilities were equipped with supplies, staff training, and service delivery support by RHASS, and later transitioned to government partners for continued SRH care.   In Ethiopia, FGAE established public-private partnerships with government health offices to maintain care beyond the crisis window, including joint service delivery, referral networks, and capacity-building of public health staff.   In CAR, three mobile outreach clinics operated by Association Centrafricaine pour le bien-être familial (ACABEF) were successfully transformed into static service delivery points, ensuring communities continue to access SRH services after the emergency phase.  *For detailed results and country-specific case studies, visit IPPF humanitarian page.    Rights-based humanitarian response  IPPF’s humanitarian work in Africa shows what is possible when response is fast, local, and rights-based. The Stream 3 and SPRINT funding mechanisms proved vital during each crisis, where local IPPF partners delivered timely services in unstable environments. As new emergencies emerge, whether due to climate, conflict, displacement or other unprecedented factors, continued investment is critical.  Indeed, SRH is not a secondary concern during emergencies. It is essential. It prevents maternal deaths, supports survivors of violence, and protects the dignity of people in crisis. With sustained support, IPPF will continue to reach the most vulnerable, saving lives and restoring hope where it’s needed most.  Moctar Menta is the Humanitarian resource person at the IPPF Africa Regional Office 

Every year on 3 March, the world marks the International Sex Workers' Rights Day. This is a day set aside to recognize the rights of sex workers and to call for an end to the human rights abuses they face. In Liberia, just like in many other sub-Saharan African countries, sex workers face numerous challenges that not only infringe on their rights, but also affect their physical, emotional, mental, and psychological well-being. They also face stigma, discrimination, and limited access to essential services. In this article, we shed light on the significant strides made by IPPF’s Collaborative Partner in Liberia -Community Healthcare Initiative (CHI) to empower sex workers through comprehensive healthcare and welfare programs.  Addressing Physical Health Requirements One of the most significant obstacles that sex workers often face are those pertaining to their access to healthcare services. These include lack of transport money to health facilities, unaffordability of the services, and stigma from health workers. To address these challenges, CHI has launched mobile clinics that serve approximately 5,000 individuals annually across various communities in Liberia. These clinics, operated by professionally trained healthcare workers, provide essential services such as: •    General health examinations, reaching 3,500 sex workers annually •    Sexual and reproductive health care, including contraceptive distribution and STI screenings •    Targeted screenings for common health issues, benefiting over 2,000 individuals each year By providing these services in a non-judgmental environment, CHI ensures that sex workers receive the care they need without fear of discrimination. Additionally, CHI developed partnerships with 15 local health facilities to facilitate seamless referrals and continuity of care. Mental Health: A Pillar of Support Some sex workers report feelings of anxiety, stress, sadness, low self-esteem, and feelings of depression due to the violence and discrimination they endure as a result of their work.. Recognizing the mental health challenges faced by sex workers, CHI developed comprehensive support programs that include: •    Professional psychological counseling services, with over 1,200 sessions conducted annually •    Peer support networks that connect more than 500 sex workers, fostering a sense of community and belonging •    Workshops on stigma reduction and mental health awareness, attended by over 800 individuals each year These initiatives empower sex workers to prioritize their mental well-being and build resilience against the challenges they face. Comprehensive Services for Holistic Empowerment Beyond healthcare, CHI provides a range of support services to enhance the quality of life for sex workers, including: •    Legal aid services, assisting over 300 individuals annually with legal challenges •    Specialized training programs have equipped 250 sex workers with skills for alternative employment. •    Safe spaces for community gatherings, attended by over 1,000 sex workers annually, promoting learning and self-expression. These services enhance the long-term empowerment and independence of sex workers, allowing them to step into a different direction if they wish to do so. Community-Centered HIV Prevention and Care CHI’s community-centered approach to HIV prevention and care has been crucial in lowering the prevalence of HIV among sex workers. Key initiatives include: •    Awareness campaigns that have reached over 4,500 individuals with information on HIV prevention, testing, and treatment •    SRHR health services that enable access to HIV testing for over 2,000 sex workers each year. •    Collaboration with healthcare providers to ensure prompt and effective treatment for individuals who test positive, with ongoing support for over 300 individuals managing their health By addressing the multifaceted needs of sex workers, CHI aims to foster an inclusive environment that promotes health, dignity, and empowerment for this marginalized community. The organization’s integrated approach serves as a model for organizations aiming to create meaningful change in the lives of sex workers. By comprehensively addressing physical health, mental health, psychosocial support, and HIV treatment, CHI not only improves the well-being of sex workers but also transforms societal attitudes and reduces discrimination. Follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.

By Naomi Tulay-Solanke The International Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is a poignant occasion dedicated to honoring the lives of transgender individuals who have tragically lost their lives due to violence and discrimination. This day not only serves as a memorial but also as a call to action for greater awareness and support for the transgender community. In this context, IPPF’s Collaborative Partner in the West African nation of Liberia, Community Healthcare Initiative (CHI), spearheads the ‘Embracing Diversity’ initiative, which strives to cultivate a more inclusive society that values and respects non-binary and LGBTIQ+ identities. Through educational workshops, community engagement efforts, and advocacy campaigns, CHI, through this initiative, aims to dismantle stereotypes and challenge societal norms that marginalize these groups. The organization empowers individuals and communities to embrace diversity and work toward equality by establishing safe, open dialogue and learning spaces. The ‘Embracing Diversity’ initiative has been implemented in three counties in Liberia: Grand Bassa, Montserrado, and Margibi counties since 2022. It focuses on spreading awareness and providing essential support and resources to LGBTIQ+ individuals, ensuring their voices are amplified and their rights are protected. Stories of Courage, Advocacy, and Progress Through the ‘Embracing Diversity’ Initiative The reach of the ‘Embracing Diversity’ initiative has been substantial, with over 500 beneficiaries receiving support through educational workshops, community engagement efforts, and advocacy campaigns. Preliminary data indicates a marked improvement in participants’ well-being, with 75% of surveyed beneficiaries reporting increased confidence in accessing healthcare. "As a non-binary person, I have faced discrimination and exclusion in Liberia. Thankfully, the ‘Embrace Diversity’ initiative by CHI has given me the courage to express my true self. I finally feel seen and accepted in my community and society. It is time for us to stand together and promote acceptance and equality for everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation." - Coniel, 30, activist. "I have seen firsthand the impact of discrimination and stigma on non-binary and LGBTIQ+ individuals in our society. Thanks to CHI, I have found a supportive community where I can share my experiences and learn from others like me. It is time for us to take a stand and promote love, respect, and inclusivity for all community members." - Herbert, 35, social worker. "I was homeless for the past year when my identity as lesbian was revealed to my family. Due to the religious role they play in the church, my parents threw me out of their home. The emergency response funds from CHI have provided a safe home for me to survive and be reunited with my family." - Angel, 27, human rights advocate. Transforming Lives with Advocacy, Healthcare, and Community Support Healthcare providers have been pivotal to the success of this initiative. Pandora, a clinician involved with the project, shares her perspective on the importance of inclusive care. “I work as an Officer In Charge at a private health facility that offers sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services. I have had the opportunity to interact with non-binary LGBTIQ+ individuals. During my first encounter, I had my personal misgivings. Still, I soon realized that as a nurse, it is my duty to care for everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. I attended to the patient, and while he was initially reluctant to open up, after some counseling, he began to confide in me about his lifestyle and medical condition. I provided him with the necessary treatment, and now he’s doing well and says he feels at ease around me. He is comfortable expressing himself and sharing any challenges he faces. It is crucial for us as service providers to see these individuals as part of our community and to eliminate discrimination. Through this initiative, we have received specialized training on providing compassionate, non-judgmental care to LGBTIQ+ individuals.” Pandora and other clinicians involved in the project have developed new protocols to ensure the LGBTIQ+ community feels comfortable and respected when accessing healthcare. Training sessions have included discussions on the unique mental health challenges that non-binary and transgender individuals often face, equipping providers to deliver well-rounded, culturally competent care. Speaking about the ‘Embracing Diversity’ initiative, Ms. Tracy Newon, an official from Liberia’s Ministry of Health (MoH), National AIDS Control Programs admits that delivering health services without discrimination is essential. “It ensures everyone receives equal care and support, fostering an inclusive environment where all patients feel valued and respected. This ultimately improves health outcomes and builds trust within the community.” Reflections on Progress, Challenges, and the Way Forward for Inclusivity Additionally, the project has trained 100 healthcare providers, enhancing their ability to meet the unique needs of LGBTIQ+ individuals. These statistics reflect the project’s tangible impact and showcases the progress toward creating an inclusive and supportive environment for Liberia’s LGBTIQ+ community. Over the coming years, CHI hopes to expand this initiative to other parts of Liberia and address the needs of more beneficiaries. The reflections of the beneficiaries, insights from service providers, and support from the Ministry of Health underscore the importance of ‘Embracing Diversity’ in honoring the lives of transgender individuals. The initiative continues to make significant differences in the lives of countless individuals, building a foundation of inclusivity and acceptance that will have lasting effects. By providing essential support, facilitating understanding among healthcare providers, and advocating for policy changes, the initiative is paving the way for a more compassionate Liberia. As the world observes the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, it is important for all stakeholders to continue advocating for initiatives that promote inclusivity and support. The journey of individuals like Coniel, Herbert, and Angel serve as powerful reminders of the need for ongoing efforts to foster a society where all individuals can live authentically and safely. To achieve this, continued efforts are necessary to ensure that these strides are not just sustained but expanded, helping to create a future where every Liberian, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, is respected and valued. Naomi Tulay-Solanke is CHI’s Executive Director. Also read: Healthcare providers must be sensitized on the health needs of the transgender community: the story of Arya Jeipea Karijo For more updates on our work, follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.