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MoH, Carter Center Forge Partnership To Transform Mental Health Care In Liberia

By
Catherine K Conteh
A group of Liberian health professionals participate in a Center-supported training program that accredits them as mental health clinicians. Photo: The Carter Center
A group of Liberian health professionals participate in a Center-supported training program that accredits them as mental health clinicians. Photo: The Carter Center

In a significant move to strengthen mental health care in Liberia, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, the Minister of Health, hosted a high-ranking delegation from The Carter Center, led by Joshua Carter, grandson of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. 

The delegation also included Dr. Kashef Ijaz, Vice President for Health Programs, and S. Benedict Dossen, The Carter Centerโ€™s Country Representative in Liberia. 

The meeting held Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Ministry of Health (MoH) centered on advancing Liberiaโ€™s mental health initiatives through enhanced collaboration.

Dr. Kpoto emphasized the governmentโ€™s commitment to reforming the countryโ€™s mental health system, noting that the partnership with The Carter Center plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. 

โ€œThis partnership marks a pivotal step toward developing a robust mental health framework in Liberia,โ€ said Madam Kpoto, adding, โ€œWe are working towards establishing wellness clinics in all referral hospitals nationwide to ensure patients with mental health conditions have the care they need.โ€

Minister Kpoto expressed gratitude for the delegationโ€™s visit and reiterated her commitment to ensuring that this collaboration will thrive to deliver lasting impact for Liberiaโ€™s mental health sector.

For his part, Joshua Carter reiterated the importance of The Carter Center's longstanding commitment to Liberia, highlighting his grandmother, former First Lady Rosalynn Carterโ€™s lifelong advocacy for mental health.

"The Carter Center is proud to continue its collaboration with Liberia, guided by the legacy of mental health champions like Rosalynn Carter. Together, we are driving transformative change and building a support system that is inclusive and sustainable," he said.

The meeting also showcased the strides Liberia has made in integrating mental health care into its national healthcare system. 

At the same time, Dr. Moses Ziah II, Director of the Ministry of Healthโ€™s Mental Health Unit, provided an update on Liberiaโ€™s progress, including the integration of mental health medications into the national supply of essential drugs and the recent handover of a wellness unit in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, constructed by The Carter Center.

Also, Dr. Kashef Ijaz praised Liberiaโ€™s leadership in mental health reforms, stating, โ€œLiberia is currently leading the way in Africa in mental health initiatives. The world is watching, and we look forward to learning from Liberia's successful strategies and models.โ€

The partnership continues to reflect the mutual commitment of the Liberian Government and The Carter Center to provide comprehensive and accessible mental health care for all Liberians.