The National AIDS Commission has commenced the first leg of its high-level engagement with stakeholders across Liberia. The initiative aims to build stronger ties with local government authorities as part of the Commission’s decentralization program.
The Commission continues to make significant strides by recognizing the critical role local governments play in achieving the Response targets by 2030. It is tasked with coordinating the National HIV Response across Liberia. As part of its strategy, the Commission holds a clear coordination mandate with local government authorities. However, this collaboration has not been sufficiently structured to produce the level of oversight, leadership visibility, and accountability needed to strengthen the National Response.
Moreover, the first leg of these engagements covered three counties and began on Monday, May 4, 2026, with authorities in Nimba County. The three Counties are Nimba, Bong, and Margibi. While in Nimba, the National AIDS Commission team, headed by the Chairperson Dr. Cecilia J. Nuta met with key stakeholders, including the Office of the County Superintendent, the Nimba County Health Team, and HIV Service Providers at G.W.Harley Hospital in Sanniquelle.
Speaking during the meeting with the Superintendent’s Office, Dr. Nuta lauded the county authority for its inclusiveness, particularly in supporting HIV activities in the county. She noted that the visit followed an assessment of HIV services and the recent reactivation of the County’s HIV Steering Committee, chaired by the Superintendent and co-chaired by the County Health Officer.
Dr. Nuta emphasized the need for ownership at both national and county levels amid the drawdown of partners’ support. “It is good that we begin thinking outside the box and not be caught unaware, as in the case of the recent ‘stop-work order’ issued earlier this year by the U.S. Government. We need to start engaging local authorities to mobilize support for the National Response, because HIV is everyone’s business and requires collective effort,” she asserted.
She commended the Nimba County administration for the good work being carried out and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to collaborate with the county team to improve outcomes within the Response.
On behalf of the Superintendent’s Office, the Mayor of Sanniquelle lauded the Commission for the initiative, describing the engagement as a unique leadership approach that signals improved coordination among county authorities.
He, however, stressed the need for other non-governmental organizations to be fully involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS at the county level. “It will be good to engage other stakeholders to join the fight and provide support, because this HIV issue is not a one-person task. For now, our office has allocated five thousand United States Dollars ($5,000) to the HIV Steering Committee for operations at the county level. We believe this will help in carrying out awareness and other HIV activities,” he concluded.
In a separate engagement with the County Health Officer (CHO), Dr. Cecilia J. Nuta thanked the Nimba County Health Team, headed by Dr. Ponnie Robertlee-Dolo, for their level of work across the county, especially amid donor fatigue. She called for stronger collaboration to meet the Global Triple 95 Targets. Dr. Nuta used the discussion to recognize the work of the Nimba County Health Officer, describing him as results-oriented despite funding gaps. “We know that health funding in this country has reduced, and the government is assuming more responsibility. It is upon all of us to make this work,” she asserted.
For his part, Dr. Dolo welcomed the Commission’s initiative, noting that reaching out to the Superintendent’s Office is a perfect tool for fostering collaboration and progress. “We have already begun engaging local stakeholders so they can see the need to support this project. This is not only about the Government of Liberia. That is why I am happy that you are here in person to engage the local authorities,” he said.
The Commission’s team is expected to tour three counties: Nimba, Bong, and Margibi. During these visits, separate engagements will be conducted with county authorities, county health teams, and facilities offering HIV services to assess the quality of services, progress, challenges, and other key areas. “For now, our office has allocated five thousand United States Dollars ($5,000) to the HIV Steering Committee for operations at the county level. We believe this will help in carrying out awareness and other HIV activities,” he concluded.
