At the 2025 World AIDS Day celebration, Liberia officially launched its ambitious Triple Elimination Strategy, targeting the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B.
The national event, recast under the theme “Mobilizing Domestic Support, Transforming the AIDS Response,” underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening the health system and achieving national and global public health goals.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung, Minister of Health Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto emphasized the administration’s renewed obligation to expand domestic financing for HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and program coordination—an intervention she described as essential to national health security.
Dr. Kpoto announced the Vice President’s personal commitment to three key areas: Strengthening domestic financing to secure the future of the HIV response. Extending community-led initiatives to reach vulnerable populations and eliminate stigma. Integrating HIV services into the broader health system for sustainable lives.
Dr. Kpoto formally launched the strategy, noting Liberia’s significant progress in combating HIV. She highlighted a massive surge in HIV testing coverage over the past seven years, jumping from just 10 percent in 2017 to nearly 90 percent in 2024.
“This means over 1,000 newborn lives have been protected from HIV,” she stated, emphasizing the success in preventing mother-to-child transmission through integrated care.
Dr. Jonathan Flomo, Program Manager of the National AIDS and STI Control Program, provided a clinical update, citing UNAIDS data showing approximately 36,000 Liberians are currently living with HIV.
He proudly reported that Liberia is close to meeting the global 95-95-95 targets for 2030 (95% know their status, 95% on treatment, 95% virally suppressed), having already achieved 86-99-95 percent. Currently, 32,596 people are on treatment nationwide. New prevention strategies, including the introduction of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Injectable PrEP, were also highlighted.
Dr. Cecelia J. Nuta, Chairperson of the National AIDS Commission, commended the progress but cautioned that the fight was far from over. She noted that the estimated 36,000 people living with HIV in 2025 reflect “both progress and a continuing challenge,” stressing that inclusion from all fronts is essential to ending AIDS in Liberia.
International partners echoed the call for action. Alieu Dia, UNDP Resident Representative, emphasized the need for equality, inclusion, and sustained investment, noting that stigma and inequality continue to block progress. He urged partners to work alongside the government and networks of people living with HIV to ensure every person has access to necessary services and rights.
The celebration concluded with lawmakers from both the House and Senate Committees on Health pledging to strengthen healthcare funding and ensure accountability in the national HIV response.
ABJ/APA