MONROVIA – The House of Representatives has endorsed the report and recommendations of its Joint Committee supporting the establishment of the Liberia Primary Health Care and Immunization Caucus (LIPIC), following a request submitted by Lofa County Electoral District 2 Representative Julie F. Wiah.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The decision was reached after the Joint Committee presented its findings on 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 Committee unanimously recommended that the House adopt the proposal and proceed with the establishment of LIPIC as a specialized legislative platform aimed at strengthening 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 to ensure that health policies and interventions adequately address the needs of women, children and other vulnerable populations.
As part of its mandate, the Committee proposed that within 12 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 12 months of its establishment, a bill creating a Primary Health Care and Immunization Trust Fund (PITF).
The proposed trust fund would serve 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 approval, as the measure requires bicameral endorsement.
Upon passage by both chambers 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 60 days to formally constitute the Caucus. The process would include appointing its leadership, selecting members from both legislative chambers, ensuring representation from the Committee on Gender, establishing a Technical Secretariat, and adopting internal rules and procedures.
The Committee further recommended that once constituted, the Liberia Primary Health Care and Immunization Caucus submit its first biannual report to the House of Representatives within six months of its formal establishment and continue reporting every six months thereafter.
According to the report, 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 increase immunization coverage and improve public health outcomes.
The House of Representatives said it remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance healthcare delivery, strengthen public health systems and improve the well-being of all Liberians.
