By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia – The Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto and a Carter Center delegation led by Joshua Carter, grandson of the late United States President Jimmy Carter have held conversation on how to advance metal health initiatives here in Liberia.
The team led by Carter included Dr. Kashef Ijaz, Vice President for Health Programs; and S. Benedict Dossen, Country Representative – The Carter Center Liberia.
The meeting highlights Liberia’s ongoing collaboration with The Carter Center and its shared priorities in addressing mental health challenges and improving access to quality care.
Liberia Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Kpoto, highlighted the government’s ongoing reforms in mental health, stating, “This partnership with The Carter Center marks a critical step toward building mental health framework. I’ve asked for a wellness clinic to be established in all of the referral hospitals across the country to cater to patients dealing with mental health issues.” During the meeting, Mr. Joshua Carter echoed the sentiment, noting,
She furthered, “the Carter Center, guided by the legacy of his grandmother, former First Lady Rosalyn Carter’s mental health advocacy, is proud to collaborate with Liberia over the last (15) fifteen years. Together, we can drive transformative change and foster inclusive support system.”
Dr. Moses Ziah II, Director of the Mental Health Unit at the Ministry of Health, provided a brief overview of the activities of the mental health program in Liberia. “The Ministry of Health is working on the integration of mental health services into the primary healthcare system of Liberia.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health, mental health medications are now part of the essential drugs and medical supplies for patients in Liberia. A wellness unit constructed by The Carter Center in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, was turned over to the Ministry of Health on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
Also speaking on behalf of The Carter Center was Dr. Kashef Ijaz, Vice President for Health Programs who said his team will like for Liberia to help with its model and strategies for improving mental health in Africa and around the world.
“Liberia right now is leading in Africa on how to improve mental health initiatives. We’ll be calling on Liberia soon to help us with their model and strategies for improving mental health in Africa and around the world. We’ve nothing but great admiration for you and your leadership here at the Ministry of Health,” Dr. Ijaz expressed.
Minister Kpoto thanked the delegation for their visit to the Ministry of Health and committed to a continuous working relationship between the MOH and the Carter Center.
