The Plenary of the House of Representatives has endorsed the report and recommendations of its Joint Committee regarding the request by Lofa County Electoral District #2 Representative, Hon. Julie F. Wiah, for the establishment of the Liberia Primary Health Care and Immunization Caucus (LIPIC).
The decision followed the presentation of the Joint Committee’s report, which examined the legal, fiscal, and policy implications of creating a legislative caucus dedicated to advancing primary health care and immunization programs across Liberia.
In its report, the Joint Committee unanimously recommended that the House of Representatives adopt the proposal and proceed with the establishment of the Liberia Primary Health Care and Immunization Caucus as a specialized legislative platform to strengthen oversight, advocacy, policy development, and sustainable financing for primary health care and immunization services.
The Committee further recommended that the Caucus incorporate a gender-responsive mandate within its purpose and functions to ensure that health policies and interventions adequately address the needs of women, children, and vulnerable populations.
As part of its mandate, the Committee proposed that within twelve months of its establishment, the Caucus develop a Primary Health Care and Immunization Financing Roadmap Framework in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
The report also calls for the Caucus to develop and submit to the Legislature, within twelve months of its establishment, a bill creating a Primary Health Care and Immunization Trust Fund (PITF) as a dedicated and ring-fenced public financing mechanism to support sustainable health service delivery nationwide.
Additionally, the Joint Committee recommended that upon adoption of the Joint Resolution by the House of Representatives, the Chief Clerk transmit enrolled copies to the Liberian Senate for concurrent consideration and adoption, as the measure requires bicameral approval.
Upon passage by both Houses of the Legislature, the report recommends that the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate take all necessary steps within sixty days to formally constitute the Caucus. This process will include the appointment of its leadership, membership from both legislative chambers, including representation from the Committee on Gender, the establishment of a Technical Secretariat, and the adoption of internal rules and procedures.
The Committee further recommended that once constituted, the Liberia Primary Health Care and Immunization Caucus submit its first bi-annual report to the House of Representatives within six months of its formal establishment and continue reporting every six months thereafter.
The establishment of the Caucus is expected to strengthen legislative engagement in health sector governance, improve accountability in health financing, promote equitable access to primary health care services, and support Liberia’s efforts to improve immunization coverage and public health outcomes.
The House of Representatives remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance healthcare delivery, strengthen public health systems, and improve the well-being of all Liberians.
