Monrovia, Liberia - In a concerted effort to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and enhance public health in Liberia, the World Health Organization (WHO) has donated a consignment of Albendazole and Praziquantel tablets to the Ministry of Health to be used for the prevention and treatment of Lymphatic Filariasis, Soil Transmitted Helminths, and Schistosomiasis, targeting more than 2 million people in endemic counties through Mass Drug Administration campaigns.

This donation is part of implementation of the WHO NTD roadmap and the National NTD Master Plan of the Ministry of Health, which stipulate interventions and targets for control and elimination of these neglected diseases by 2030.

The Albendazole tablets, earmarked for the prevention and treatment of Lymphatic Filariasis and Soil Transmitted Helminths, will benefit over 1.5 million persons in 13 endemic counties, while the Praziquantel tablets will target 2.4 million persons in 6 endemic counties for Schistosomiasis, marking a significant step forward in the national efforts to combat these parasitic infections.

During the donation ceremony at the Central Medical Stores (CMS) in Caldwell, the Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Kpoto, expressed her gratitude for the collaborative efforts in strengthening Liberia’s public health interventions saying, "On behalf myself, the people of Liberia and His Excellency the President Joseph Boakai, I express our appreciation for the level of support we have and continue to receive from WHO and all our health partners in ensuring that the ARREST agenda becomes an agenda we envision. Be rest assured that these medications will reach the last mile to serve those that need the assistance”.

Dr. Clement Peter, the WHO Representative in Liberia, expressed profound dedication, affirming, "This consignment is part of WHO's ongoing support for the Neglected Tropical Diseases program, ensuring medicines are available to aid in efforts to control and eradicate these diseases. Through our long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Health and our donors, we continue to commit ourselves to improving the health and well-being of the Liberian people by providing these medications, which are completely free. We also extend our gratitude to the World Food Program (WFP) for their excellent service in maintaining the Central Medical Stores and ensuring systems are in place for accountability."

Last year the WHO supported the Ministry of Health through provision of supplies for a Mass Drug Administration reaching over 2 million people in targeted counties in Liberia.

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners including WHO Liberia, remains committed to implementing comprehensive strategies to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, by ensuring universal health coverage and equitable access to health services for all. Beyond Liberia's borders, WHO extends its support for NTDs on a global scale. Operating across diverse regions, WHO's support encompasses raising awareness, strengthening health systems, and providing essential resources to combat NTDs.