IHP 501 Module One Project Preparation Worksheet Liberia Pre

IHP 501 Module One Project Preparation Worksheet Liberiaprecious Teasl

Identify the core assignment question and instructions: "Prepare a comprehensive paper based on the provided scenario, population data, health concerns, social determinants, and other contextual information about Liberia, addressing key public health issues, challenges, and strategies for intervention, supported by credible sources."

Paper For Above instruction

Libéria, a fragile West African nation with a complex socio-economic and health landscape, has faced significant public health crises, most notably the 2014 Ebola epidemic. The outbreak underscored the urgent need for effective health systems, community engagement, and strategic intervention to prevent and control infectious diseases. This paper explores Liberia's demographic, geographic, socio-economic profile, prevalent health issues, social determinants affecting health, and proposes comprehensive strategies for addressing these challenges within a global health context.

To fully understand Liberia’s health challenges, it is essential to examine its demographic and socio-economic context. The population of approximately 5.2 million people faces considerable health vulnerabilities, aggravated by high poverty levels, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited access to quality education, and socio-political instability. The geographic expanse, with its 111,369 square kilometers, encompasses diverse climates—from equatorial in the south to tropical in the north—each impacting health conditions differently. The capital city, Monrovia, serves as the political and economic hub, but rural areas face distinct challenges, including limited healthcare access and poor sanitation.

Prevalent health issues such as malaria, tuberculosis, cholera, Lassa fever, HIV/AIDS, and Ebola have been persistent threats, exacerbated by the fragile health infrastructure. The 2014 Ebola epidemic highlighted deficiencies in disease surveillance, community trust, and healthcare capacity. The outbreak resulted in widespread fatalities and disruptions that still influence health policies and systems today. Malnutrition, particularly among children, remains a significant concern, often linked to poverty and inadequate healthcare services, fueling poor health outcomes and perpetuating cycles of disease and poverty.

Social determinants of health such as poverty, low education levels, inequality, poor living conditions, and limited healthcare access considerably shape health outcomes in Liberia. The country’s history of civil conflict has compounded these issues, leaving behind a legacy of weakened institutions, mistrust in government and health services, and insufficient investment in social services. Education levels are low, especially in rural areas, reducing health literacy and community participation in health initiatives. Economic instability, marked by high unemployment and reliance on extractive exports, further restricts government resources for health and social investments. Inequities, particularly and gender disparities, hinder vulnerable populations' ability to access necessary health services and information.

Addressing Liberia’s health challenges requires a multifaceted approach grounded in strengthening health systems, community engagement, and policy reforms aligned with global health standards. Key strategies include improving disease surveillance and response systems, expanding access to primary healthcare, increasing health literacy, and investing in health infrastructure and workforce development. International collaboration, funding, and innovative programs such as community health worker initiatives have demonstrated potential for sustainable impact. Moreover, integrating social determinants—improving education, reducing poverty, and promoting gender equality—are critical for long-term health improvements.

Partnerships with non-governmental organizations, foreign governments, and local communities are vital for resource mobilization and culturally sensitive interventions. Evidence-based strategies include vaccination campaigns, health education, improved sanitation, and targeted programs for high-risk groups like women, children, and healthcare workers. Building resilient health systems capable of managing emergencies and routine health needs ensures better preparedness and response for future outbreaks or crises, such as Covid-19, which has also impacted Liberia’s fragile health infrastructure.

In conclusion, Liberia’s public health landscape is shaped by a combination of epidemiological, socio-economic, and political factors that require comprehensive, culturally appropriate, and sustainable interventions. Strengthening health systems, addressing social determinants, fostering community trust, and enhancing international cooperation are essential for overcoming existing health challenges and promoting equitable health outcomes. Such efforts will contribute to a resilient Liberia capable of confronting future health threats and advancing its national development goals aligned with global health priorities.

References

• Arthur, R. F., Horng, L. M., Bolay, F. K., Tandanpolie, A., Gilstad, J. R., Tantum, L. K., & Luby, S. P. (2022). Community trust of government and non-governmental organizations during the Ebola epidemic in Liberia. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 16(1), e.
• Omata, N. (2018). Who takes advantage of mobility? Exploring the nexus between refugees' movement, livelihoods and socioeconomic status in West Africa. African Geographical Review, 37(2), 98-108.
• Preethi, B., Sabin, T. P., Adedoyin, J. A., & Ashok, K. (2015). Impacts of the ENSO Modoki and other tropical Indo-Pacific climate-drivers on African rainfall. Scientific Reports, 5, 16653.
• Richards-George, E. E. (2021). Sustainability of the National Community Health Assistants Program in Liberia.
• Sommer, J. M., Shandra, J. M., & Restivo, M. (2017). The World Bank, contradictory lending, and forests: A cross-national analysis of organized hypocrisy. International Sociology, 32(6).
• Vandzura, A. (2021). Inclusive Education in El Salvador: Ensuring Quality Education and Gender Equality at the Primary Level. World Bank. (2021). Liberia's Economic Update, June 2021: Finding Fiscal Space.
• World Bank. (2021). Liberia Economic Data. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/liberia
• World Health Organization. (2016). Ebola response roadmap update. (Provides insights into Liberia’s Ebola response strategies).
• World Health Organization. (2014). West African Ebola outbreak: Liberia country report.
• UNDP. (2022). Human Development Report 2022: Liberia Profile.