The Ministry of Health has embarked on a five-day Technical Committee Working Session Exercise focused on reviewing and revising the Community Pharmacy/Cost-Sharing (CP/CS) Training Manuals and operational tools.
According to a MoH release dated April 30, 2025, the technical session, which will run from April 28 to May 1, 2025, reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s health system by enhancing sustainable and community-driven pharmaceutical services. The Community Pharmacy/Cost-Sharing Program (CP/CS) was first introduced in Liberia in 1986 to improve the availability of essential drugs.
However, due to the impact of the civil crisis and subsequent challenges such as the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks, the program faced major setbacks. In response to these evolving challenges, the Ministry and its partners have taken proactive steps to reinvigorate the initiative under a new framework that emphasizes sustainability and community involvement.
The technical working session brings together a diverse array of stakeholders, including pharmacists, healthcare providers, policymakers, community health workers, and financial experts who are collaboratively reviewing and revising the implementation guidelines, training modules, and operational tools that guide the CP/CS Program.
The exercise aims to ensure that these documents remain current, contextually appropriate, and aligned with Liberia’s long-term health policy goals. Liberia is currently undergoing a strategic transition in health financing, moving from a system heavily supported by international donors to one that is locally driven and financially sustainable.
The Ministry of Health recognizes the urgent need for innovative mechanisms that can sustain drug availability and improve access to essential healthcare services, in the wake of a decline in external financial aid.
The revised CP/CS framework is designed to address this gap through a cost-sharing model that promotes community ownership and long-term sustainability. The workshop is structured to encourage meaningful participation and practical application.
Each day is designated for specific tasks, including reviewing modules, group discussions, demonstrations, feedback sessions, and final validation. These collaborative engagements are crucial in tailoring the training content to the realities faced by healthcare workers on the ground, ensuring that they are well-equipped to deliver essential services effectively.
One of the key outcomes of the session is the development of a comprehensive roadmap that will guide the national rollout of the updated Community Pharmacy/Cost-Sharing Program.
Participants are also contributing to the refinement of strategic policies and best practices to promote alignment with Liberia’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) ambitions. The updated materials will serve as a cornerstone for capacity-building initiatives across the country. The Ministry aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients and build public confidence in the health system to strengthen the foundation of community-level service delivery.
In supra, the revised training manual is expected to be presented to stakeholders for final validation. This will be followed by a formal endorsement and the presentation of a national roll-out plan. The Ministry anticipates that the successful execution of this exercise will present a meaningful milestone in the journey toward resilient, equitable, and people-centered health services.
The Ministry of Health expresses its sincere gratitude to all partners and stakeholders who are contributing their time, expertise, and resources to this initiative as Liberia continues to pursue sustainable health reforms.
