Finance Minister Ngafuan Showcases Progress in Health Financing and Stronger Budget Execution Under This Government at World Bank Group Health Strategy Launch in Accra

Monrovia - Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has underscored the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s commitment to expanding fiscal space for health through sustained increases in public sector financing and improved budget execution.

The Minister noted that health sector allocations have risen steadily, reflecting a deliberate policy shift toward strengthening human capital investment. The sector’s budget now stands at US$110 million for FY2026, representing a 21 percent year-on-year increase.

He further highlighted a strong upward trajectory in allocations from US$80.3 million in 2024 to US$91.3 million in 2025,demonstrating accelerated prioritization of health financing within the national budget framework.

At the Regional Launch of the World Bank Group Health, Nutrition, and Population Strategy in Accra, titled “Fit to Prosper,” Minister Ngafuan participated in a high-level ministerial panel on “Fixing Finance,” which highlighted the need for countries to improve both the efficiency and scale of public spending to achieve sustainable development outcomes.

The panel was moderated by Anita Erskine, a global moderator and communications facilitator, and featured Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s National Health Insurance Authority, alongside Prof. Awa Marie Coll-Seck, former Minister of Health of Senegal and current President of Forum Galien Africa.

The “Fit to Prosper” strategy builds on the World Bank Group’s long-standing work in health, nutrition, and population, aiming to strengthen health systems in Western and Central Africa by addressing service delivery gaps, improving resilience, and expanding equitable access, with lessons drawn from past financing efforts and the impacts of COVID-19.

Beyond increased allocations, Minister Ngafuan also emphasized notable gains in budget credibility and execution. Health sector disbursement rates improved from 70 percent in 2023 to 88 percent in 2024, reaching 97.7 percent in 2025, an indication of strengthened public financial management systems and enhanced absorptive capacity within the sector.

He attributed these improvements to targeted expenditure reviews and coordinated planning between the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the Ministry of Health. A “deep dive” engagement hosted at the Ministry of Health led to the development of an implementation compact aimed at addressing bottlenecks, accelerating fund utilization, and improving service delivery outcomes.

Minister Ngafuan also highlighted the importance of complementary investments in enabling infrastructure, including roads,sanitation, and energy, as critical enablers of health system performance.

He cited the example of Jackson F. Doe Memorial Regional Referral Hospital, where improved road connectivity to Tappita has enhanced access, increased patient inflows, and strengthened service delivery efficiency.

The regional launch in Accra convened finance and health ministers, development partners, and policy leaders to align on innovative financing approaches, domestic resource mobilization, and results-driven investments aimed at accelerating progress toward universal health coverage and improved human capital outcomes.

Minister Ngafuan attended the event along with Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto.