all regional and international plans concerning the health sector.

She pointed out that Liberia is concluding the legal processes for the establishment of a National Public Institute of Health to focus on disease control and research.

The Liberian leader was speaking Thursday when she received a delegation from the West African Health Organization (WAHO) at her office in Monrovia.

The delegation was headed by the institution’s Director General, Dr. Xavier Crespin, and included Mr. Richard Awuyno, Director for General Services.

She told the WAHO official that Liberia was proud to be committing 12 percent of its National Budget to the health sector, just 3 percent below the standard requirement of at least 15 percent, despite the many challenges faced by the
country.

President Sirleaf praised WAHO and its leadership for doing “a great job” thus far and committed her leadership to working with WAHO and the rest of the international community in tackling global health issues.

According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf thanked the WAHO Director General for the visit and congratulated him for his preferment as head of the sub-regional body.

For his part, the WAHO Director General lauded President Sirleaf for receiving his delegation and extended congratulations for her preferment as Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

He informed the Liberian leader that WAHO has been working on several issues concerning disease control and epidemic; regional rapid intervention mechanisms; medicines and vaccines; human health development and others as key program priorities.

“We are committed to working with Liberian health officials and the health sector of all of the countries of the region. We are currently working on budgeting for the construction of regional health institutions between Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia and Sierra Leone as well as regional hospitals to strengthen laboratory capacity,” Dr. Crespin pointed out.

He also briefed President Sirleaf on a pending High-level meeting expected to be held in Liberia, indicating that it is still in the planning stage.
The meeting will review partners/donors pledges, commitments and interventions in the health sector to the region, he said.

Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Marjon Kamara, Health Minister Dr. Bernice Dahn and other senior Liberian officials participated in the meeting.
LINA PR/PTK