MONROVIA – The Liberia Health and Rights Journalists Network (LHRJN), formerly the Anti-AIDS Media Network (AAMIN), has commended the Liberian Senate for its swift response in addressing the potential fallout from the U.S. government’s recent suspension of foreign aid programs. This decisive step, announced on February 4, 2025, mandates key Senate committees to engage ministries and agencies to assess the impact of the funding freeze.
The U.S. government’s decision, rooted in former President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, temporarily suspends foreign assistance globally, except for emergency food programs and military aid to Israel and Egypt. This 90-day suspension aims to review the alignment of aid programs with U.S. policy priorities. For Liberia, this could disrupt vital programs funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has historically been a significant contributor to the country’s health, education, and economic development sectors.
In 2024, USAID disbursed $155 million to Liberia, representing 96% of all foreign aid received by the country that year. Health and population services received the lion’s share of this funding, totaling $67 million, followed by education ($23 million), governance ($18 million), and agriculture ($14 million). These investments have been instrumental in Liberia’s malaria and HIV response, as well as in other developmental milestones.
LHRJN expressed grave concerns over the suspension, warning of severe consequences, particularly in the health sector. The organization fears a shortage of critical drugs for malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV, which could jeopardize the lives of millions, especially those reliant on lifesaving medications.
“We see the U.S. government’s decision as detrimental and a wake-up call for Liberia to prioritize self-sufficiency,” the organization stated. They urged Liberian policymakers to leverage the country’s natural resources, such as gold and diamonds, to mitigate dependency on foreign aid and establish sustainable financial pathways.
LHRJN also lauded the Senate’s directive, describing it as a demonstration of leadership in safeguarding Liberia’s health and development sectors. However, they called for more than budget adjustments, advocating for strategic investments in health, education, and agriculture to build resilience against such external shocks.
The funding suspension has already sparked global concern, with numerous U.S.-funded programs in Africa and other regions facing delays or termination. For Liberia, the stakes are high, given its reliance on U.S. aid for critical programs and services.
Established in 2011, LHRJN is a non-profit organization committed to advancing public understanding of health and human rights issues in Liberia. Originally named the Anti-AIDS Media Network, it continues to build the capacity of journalists in these crucial areas.
With the aid suspension highlighting the vulnerabilities of Liberia’s development framework, the coming months will test the country’s resolve in navigating this crisis and reducing its dependence on foreign support.
Discussion about this post