Liberia: Moh Pushes Gender-Responsive Healthcare Agenda

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has renewed its commitment to promoting gender-responsive healthcare, stressing that achieving gender equality is critical to strengthening Liberia's health system and improving nationwide service delivery.

The reaffirmation came during International Women's Day celebrations held in Margibi County, where health officials urged stakeholders to move beyond ceremonial observances and focus on practical interventions that directly improve the lives of women and girls.

Delivering a keynote address on behalf of Deputy Minister for Administration Martha C. Morris, Technical Assistant Susan T. Kleeme emphasized that this year's theme, "Give to Gain: Delivering Gender Responsive Healthcare Services Now," calls for urgent and measurable actions to address long-standing inequalities in healthcare access.

Kleeme noted that while International Women's Day celebrates women's achievements, it also highlights the persistent barriers women face in accessing quality, respectful health services. She described gender-responsive healthcare as a matter of justice, not charity, and called for sustained investment, inclusive policies, and stronger institutional support.

She commended the Ministry's Gender and Social Inclusion Unit (GSIU) for advancing gender mainstreaming across health programs and policies. The Unit, she said, continues to address workplace concerns, including sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse, through awareness initiatives and capacity-building programs.

According to Kleeme, the Ministry, with support from partners such as Partners In Health, Catholic Relief Services, and Sightsavers International, has developed a draft safeguarding policy currently awaiting validation, alongside a Technical Working Group established to guide implementation.

Margibi County Gender Coordinator Danilette D. Asilton praised women's resilience and urged continued reflection on the challenges they face in society and the workplace.

Meanwhile, GSIU Head Quitina Cooper Davis reaffirmed the Unit's commitment to inclusive healthcare delivery nationwide, emphasizing efforts to integrate women, girls, and vulnerable populations into national health programs.

Officials concluded that International Women's Day must serve as a sustained call to action, reaffirming the Ministry's pledge to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all.

Read the original article on New Dawn.