Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-22 00:15:00
Resurfacing the Revised Public Health Bill at the Senate: A Call to Action
The Public Health Law of Liberia has a long history, starting with its enactment as “The Public Health and Safety Law” before 1950. Over the years, it has undergone several revisions and amendments to address the evolving healthcare landscape in the country. The most recent revision, the Revised Public Health Bill, was submitted to the Legislature by President George M. Weah in February 2020. Since then, the Bill has gone through a series of review processes and has been passed by the House of Representatives. However, it is currently stuck at the Senate, with key issues hindering its progress.
One of the major roadblocks to the passage of the Revised Public Health Bill is the opposition from the religious and traditional communities. Despite the constitutional prohibition on the direct involvement of religion in the political governance of Liberia, these groups have been vocal in their objections to certain provisions of the Bill. For example, there is strong opposition to the reproductive health chapter, particularly regarding issues like abortion. This has created a contentious environment that has stalled the progress of the Bill.
Another challenge is the lack of awareness and understanding of the Bill among key stakeholders, including newly elected senators. The complexity of the Bill, with its 326 pages and nine parts, makes it difficult for individuals to fully grasp its contents. This lack of understanding has led to misconceptions and misunderstandings, further complicating the path to passage.
To address these challenges and push for the timely passage of the Revised Public Health Bill, various stakeholders, including Sister Aid Liberia (SALI), have been actively engaging with key players in the Senate. Through dialogues, technical retreat sessions, and bilateral meetings, SALI has been able to increase stakeholder engagement and awareness. They have also provided capacity building for media practitioners to promote advocacy messages around the Bill.
Additionally, SALI has identified key policy recommendations to facilitate the passage of the Bill. These include engaging the religious community with science-based facts, increasing community awareness, and obtaining support from women and health practitioners. By focusing on these key areas, advocates hope to overcome the existing challenges and garner the necessary support for the Revised Public Health Bill.
In conclusion, the passage of the Revised Public Health Bill is crucial for addressing the public health challenges in Liberia. It is essential for all stakeholders to come together and work towards a common goal of passing the Bill into Law. By addressing the existing obstacles and implementing the recommended policy actions, we can ensure the speedy passage of the Bill and improve the overall healthcare system in Liberia.
Signed,
Titus B. Pakalah,
APHRC Project
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
