By: Naneka A. Hoffman
Monrovia, Liberia, May 8, 2026 – The National AIDS Commission has commenced the first leg of its high-level engagements with stakeholders across Liberia to strengthen collaboration with local government authorities as part of the Commission’s decentralization program.
Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Nuta praised the county authorities for supporting HIV activities and stressed the need for stronger ownership at both national and county levels amid the reduction in donor support.
“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 stated.
On behalf of the Superintendent’s Office, the Mayor of Sanniquelle welcomed the initiative and called for more stakeholders to support the fight against HIV/AIDS. He disclosed that the office has allocated US$5,000 to the HIV Steering Committee to support awareness and operational activities within the county.
Dr. Nuta also commended the Nimba County Health Team, headed by Dr. Ponnie Robertlee-Dolo, for its continued work despite funding challenges, while Dr. Dolo described the engagement as an important step toward improving collaboration with local authorities.
The Commission team is expected to continue similar engagements in Bong and Margibi Counties to assess HIV services, progress, challenges, and other key areas of the National Response.
The Commission, which coordinates the National HIV Response across Liberia, said the initiative recognizes the important role local governments play in achieving the country’s HIV response targets by 2030.
The first phase of the engagement covers Nimba, Bong, and Margibi Counties. In Nimba County, the Commission’s delegation, headed by 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.
