The Starks Foundation, a leading civil society organization dedicated to combating malaria for over two decades, has raised concerns over the recent suspension of United States government aid to Liberia.
The foundation warns that the suspension could severely disrupt the fight against malaria and undo significant progress made in reducing its prevalence.
According to the 2020 Liberia Malaria Indicators Survey (LMIS), the prevalence rate of malaria was successfully reduced to 10-13%, largely due to support from the United States President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI).
The PMI has been a major source of funding for malaria treatment in Liberia, investing approximately $14 million annually in the country’s fight against the disease. This year 2025, PMI’s commitment was set to increase to $15 million before the suspension was announced.
In a statement, Rev. Gabriel Starks, Executive Director of the Starks Foundation, expressed grave concern about the potential impact of this funding gap, stating that the suspension could lead to severe shortages of malaria drugs and supplies at health facilities across Liberia.
He warned that the situation would place the entire population—particularly pregnant women and children under five—at increased risk, as malaria remains endemic in the country.
The suspension also threatens broader health interventions supported by USAID, including programs to combat HIV.
The Starks Foundation is therefore urging President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., and the National Legislature to take immediate action to address the funding shortfall caused by the aid suspension.
