2019 EXPERT PROGRAMMATIC AND TECHNICAL SUMMIT: From left to right Pepukai CHIKUKWA, then UNAIDS Liberia Country Director/ Wilhelmina Jallah, then Liberia Minister of Health/ Festus Mckeen, then Enda Sante AYP Communication Liason CSIH/WCA (Senegal, Nigeria, and Liberia) Theodosia Kolee, then Liberia’s National AIDS Commissioner
Monrovia – In a time of global health uncertainties, Festus McKeen, a dedicated health and human rights advocate, continues to push for equitable healthcare access in Liberia. As the Lead Advocate for Minority Voices Liberia, McKeen has been instrumental in advancing Liberia’s HIV response, even as the freeze of USAID funds threatens critical programs. His advocacy is rooted in a commitment to ensuring that key populations and vulnerable communities are not left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
A Lifelong Commitment to Health and Human Rights McKeen’s journey as an advocate has been shaped by years of experience in community-based healthcare and policy engagement. In July 2024, he attended the International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference in Munich as a scholarship recipient, where he engaged global experts on best practices in HIV prevention and treatment. His expertise was further recognized when he became an HIV Vaccine Advocacy Fellow, working to ensure that Liberia remains at the forefront of emerging HIV prevention technologies.
Liberia’s Progress in HIV Response Despite global funding challenges, Liberia’s National HIV and STI Control Program (NACP) has made significant progress in achieving the 95-95-95 targets set by UNAIDS. Of the estimated 35,000 people living with HIV in Liberia, 28,000 know their status and are enrolled in treatment and care. Community-based initiatives, peer-led outreach programs, and decentralized health services have been key in reaching these milestones.
From the Right: Festus Mckeen at IAS 2024 in Munich
“HIV testing and prevention services at the community level, particularly for key populations, have been a game-changer,” says McKeen. “We’ve seen an increase in people accessing services, but we must ensure that progress is not derailed by funding constraints.”
The USAID Funding Freeze: A Setback, But Not a Defeat On January 27, 2025, USAID announced a global freeze on funds, impacting Liberia’s national program significantly. However, according to NACP Program Manager Dr. Jonathan Flomo, the country has sufficient HIV prevention and treatment commodities to last until the end of 2026.
“For Liberia, USAID’s role was primarily in the management and operations of the Central Medical Store, while the procurement of HIV prevention and treatment drugs was handled by the Global Fund,” explains McKeen. “We anticipated supply chain disruptions, but the government has since contracted the World Food Program (WFP) to ensure uninterrupted distribution of essential commodities.”
Expanding Access to HIV Prevention: PrEP and Self-Testing One of the most promising advancements in Liberia’s HIV response has been the expansion of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and self-testing services. Health facilities and community-led initiatives now offer these critical tools, empowering individuals to take charge of their health.
“We’ve seen an increase in PrEP uptake, especially among young people and key populations,” McKeen notes. “HIV self-testing has also become a powerful strategy in reaching those who may be hesitant to visit traditional healthcare facilities.”
Resilience in the Face of Adversity Amidst these challenges, Liberia’s health and human rights advocates continue to work alongside government agencies to sustain progress. The rise of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, the freeze of USAID funds, and ongoing debates within institutions such as the United Methodist Church have created additional barriers, yet the advocacy community remains steadfast.
“The resilience of advocates and key populations is what keeps us going,” says McKeen. “We are holding together, ensuring that the most vulnerable have access to care, even in the face of uncertainty.”
As Liberia moves forward, the dedication of individuals like McKeen serves as a testament to the power of advocacy in shaping a more inclusive and health-focused future.
