- The Chairperson of the National AIDS Commission (NAC), Dr. Cecelia J. Nuta, has called for stronger domestic investment in Liberia's HIV response, urging the private sector, philanthropists and national leaders to take greater ownership of funding efforts as global donor support continues to decline.
Speaking during the Commission's 2026 Annual Fundraising Gala on Saturday, July 11, Dr. Nuta said Liberia must transition from dependence on external donors to a sustainable, locally driven financing model capable of protecting decades of progress in the fight against HIV.
The gala, held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, brought together senior government officials, including Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. Oswald N. Tweh, development partners, private sector representatives, young people and officials of the National AIDS Commission.
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The event was organized to transform the Commission's fundraising initiative from a one-time annual event into a recurring platform for mobilizing domestic resources to support HIV prevention, treatment, community engagement, stigma reduction and human rights protection.
Addressing attendees, Dr. Nuta emphasized that domestic resource mobilization has become an urgent national priority as international funding becomes increasingly uncertain.
She said Liberia's HIV response must no longer rely almost exclusively on foreign assistance but instead be supported through stronger national ownership and diversified local financing.
According to her, the National AIDS Commission serves as the country's lead coordinating institution responsible for mobilizing resources, providing policy leadership, promoting evidence-based planning and ensuring accountability in the national HIV response.
She stressed that sustaining progress requires collective participation from government, the private sector, civil society organizations, faith-based institutions and philanthropists.
"Dependency on external resources can create gaps in critical areas such as prevention, data systems, community engagement and stigma reduction," Dr. Nuta warned.
She noted that the Commission's 2025 fundraising dinner generated US$86,250, demonstrating that domestic support can become a reliable source of financing for the national HIV response.
Dr. Nuta also praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. for championing domestic resource mobilization and using his leadership to encourage greater private sector participation.
Dr. Nuta said this year's fundraising initiative seeks to establish a long-term financing platform rather than relying on occasional fundraising events.
"This is a comprehensive approach to tackling HIV through education, stigma reduction and human rights protections," she said. "It is important to call for sustainable, local financial support from the private sector and national leadership to fund the HIV response."
She explained that the 2026 gala aims to expand the country's base of recurring donors while strengthening public confidence through transparency and alignment with national priorities.
"This 2026 fundraising gathering aims to deepen recurring support and expand the investor base for the national HIV response," Dr. Nuta said. "The funds will focus on strategic initiatives; the response includes community mobilization, gender equality, protection of vulnerable populations and decentralized county coordination."
The NAC Chairperson further encouraged businesses to become annual corporate sponsors instead of making one-time contributions.
She said additional funding is urgently needed to support anti-stigma campaigns, county-level HIV interventions and the maintenance of Liberia's strategic information monitoring system.
"Funding is specifically needed for anti-stigma campaigns, council-level initiatives and maintaining a strategic information monitoring system," Dr. Nuta said. "Individual philanthropists and corporate partners have begun joining the government in championing domestic resource mobilization."
Earlier, NAC Commissioner for Partnership Madam Tracy N. Pency-Kyne said Liberia stands at a critical turning point as global HIV financing continues to shrink.
She warned that the country's achievements in reducing new HIV infections, expanding access to lifesaving treatment and improving the lives of people living with HIV can only be sustained through increased domestic investment and stronger national partnerships.
"The remarkable progress we have made in reducing new HIV infections, expanding access to lifesaving treatment, and improving the lives of people living with HIV can only be sustained through greater national ownership, stronger partnerships and increased domestic investment," she said.
Pency-Kyne described the gala as the beginning of a new chapter in Liberia's HIV response--one that brings together government, development partners, the private sector, civil society and citizens in a united effort to ensure no one is left behind.
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She said the gala's theme, "Featuring the Re-stage of The Lion King," symbolizes courage, hope, leadership and collective responsibility in ending HIV.
The evening featured a live theatrical performance of The Lion King, which she said reflects the Commission's commitment to protecting lives while inspiring future generations.
"We are particularly pleased to have our young people and school-aged children with us this evening, as they represent the future we are committed to protecting through sustained investments in health and development," Pency-Kyne said.
She concluded by expressing appreciation to development partners and donors for their continued support while urging the Government of Liberia and the private sector to strengthen their investments in healthier communities.
"To the Government of Liberia, under the leadership of His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., we thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening the national HIV response," she said. "To our private sector leaders, tonight offers an opportunity to invest in healthier communities and a more prosperous Liberia."
