Liberia

Key Results in 2022-2023

Accelerated progress in reducing vertical transmission of HIV, including with early infant diagnosis through capacity building and procurement of materials.
Improved access to HIV testing and prevention services particularly among young people and key populations.
Expansion of comprehensive sexuality education benefited over 22 500 young people while entrepreneurship initiatives empowered young people to make safe decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health.
Close to US$ 36 million was mobilized from the Global Fund to scale up the HIV response in 2024-2026.

Joint Programme Results

In 2022-2023, Libera continued to expand HIV prevention and testing services and education among vulnerable and key populations through strategic support from the Joint Programme. The number of people accessing pre-exposure prophylaxis considerably increased following the integration of PrEP in the national treatment guidelines and scale up of services among key populations (UNAIDS Secretariat). More than 12 800 condoms were distributed to students, staff in various government ministries, agencies and commissions, as well as members of networks of people living with HIV and key populations during awareness campaigns on differentiated HIV prevention and testing services in counties with high burden of HIV (ILO).

A costed strategy for the elimination of vertical transmission of HIV 2024-2028 was developed to improve services and accelerate progress towards elimination though technical support from the Joint Programme. In addition, 35 mid-level healthcare providers and supervisors in seven counties gained capacity to delivering services for the prevention of vertical transmission, early infant diagnosis, integrated management of childhood illnesses, emergency obstetrics and newborn care. Besides, procurement of HIV testing kits, including dual HIV and syphilis kits and cartridges also ensured access to early infant diagnosis and viral load testing for 235 000 adolescent young girls and women, including pregnant women (UNICEF). In 2023, a total of 189 770 adolescents, young people and women accessed a comprehensive package of sexual and reproductive health services, including HIV testing and treatment, sexually transmitted infection management, gender-based violence services, skilled child delivery, family planning and menstrual hygiene products across the country, thanks to the strategic support from the Joint Programme (UNFPA).

HIV incidence per 1000 uninfected populations

Source: AIDSinfo

AIDS mortality per 1000 population

Source: AIDSinfo

Progress towards 95-95-95 targets

Source: AIDSinfo

Comprehensive sexuality education benefited a total of 21 927 young students, 757 young people out-of-school, and 115 community leaders, commercial cyclists, traders and artisans in various counties (UNFPA, UNESCO). In addition, 305 young people, including young people in prison improved their life and entrepreneurship skills through an empowerment training supported by the Joint Programme (UNFPA).

Several awareness-raising and educational initiatives empowered over 73 000 adolescent girls in school to make safe decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and prevent gender-based violence. As part of the Spotlight initiative, 340 adolescents were trained as social media advocates to promote prevention of gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health and rights through various digital platforms. In addition, 2588 people, including men and boys, who survived violence accessed integrated sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services in 10 counties (UNFPA). Also, in partnership with the Liberia National Rural Women Structure (LNRWS), 30 rural and young women leaders reached over 1000 adolescent girls and women with messages on HIV and gender (UN Women).

To eliminate stigma and discrimination among people living with HIV, the national HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy 2022-2027 was updated to promote an inclusive work environment for all (ILO).

The mid-term review of the HIV and AIDS National Strategic Plan II resulted in the development of a comprehensive three-year Operational Plan 2024-2026 that provided the framework for the allocation and implementation of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 valued at close to US$ 36 million for the 2024-2026 implementation period (UNAIDS Secretariat).