Kolahun District # three Representative Clarence Massaquoi in a bid to improve the health sector in the county said the healthcare delivery system is pivotal in the development of the country`s human resource.

Representative Clarence Massaquoi, spoke recently when he toured several health and education facilities in his constituent in Voinjama, Lofa County.

Global food prices continued to decline for six consecutive months, but still remain very high and close to their historical peaks. The persistently high and volatile food prices not only influence conditions of hunger and under nutrition, but also obesity which may increase in the context of high prices as people opt for cheaper, less nutritious food to feed their families, the World Bank Group’s quarterly Food Price Watch report said.

On Wednesday, March 20, 2013, the government and the People’s Republic of China signed an agreement with the government of Liberia for the dispatch of a medical team from China to serve in Liberia.

The team will comprise of nine persons including a physician, surgeon, obstetrician/gynecologist, ophthalmologist, ultrasound specialist, acupuncture, nurse, interpreter and a cook.

Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua who spoke at the signing ceremony expressed happiness that the agreement was signed at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare which was completed by his government.

By: Momoh B. Siryon

The Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of Sweden in Liberia Gisela Strand said plans are in the offing for the provision of US$3.5 million per year for children and women health development projects in the country under the Millennium Development Goal IV.

Madam Strand made the disclosure at the signing of the tripartite agreement between the Government of Liberia, World Bank and Swedish international Development Agency (SIDA) at the Ministry of Gender and Development.

She revealed that the support will be coordinated by United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) in Liberia.

She said the EU also provided substantial support at the global level through the multilateral organizations for Liberia, apart from Sweden bilateral aid to Liberia.

Sweden’s bilateral support to Liberia, she said, has increased from US$10 million in 2008 to roughly US$50 million in 2013.

“The support rose to 50% from last year in two broad areas of cooperation which she named as good governance or human rights.

According to her, Sweden has provided support to public sector reforms, such as public financial management (PFM), civil service reform and decentralization. Others include electoral cycle, land commission and the security sector reform and also provided support to civil society organizations in the areas of good governance and human rights promotion.

According to her, majority of the Swedish support to Liberia, up to date, is channeled through the multilateral organizations.

She noted that through the World Bank, Sweden is the largest donor to Liberia in the areas of Public Financial Management and gender based violence and also a large donor through the UNFPA.

Commenting on Liberia Reconstruction Trust Fund she pointed out that Sweden have provided substantial support to the country.

The head of Development Cooperation at the Sweden Embassy in Liberia recommitted her country strong belief in the collaboration and partnership that has been enjoyed with the multilateral partners.

“We are active in coordinating donor support and we drive from one project to joint program support with the used of country systems.