By Stephanie M. Duncan
The Ministry of Health has informed the House of Representatives that only 350 of the 3,777 volunteer health workers processed for employment were placed on the government payroll in 2026 due to limited funding.
Deputy Minister for Administration Martha Morris made the disclosure when she appeared before lawmakers on Tuesday, July 14, to provide an update on the ministry’s efforts to absorb volunteer health workers into the public service.
According to Madam Morris, the Ministry of Health submitted the names of 3,777 eligible volunteers to the Civil Service Agency (CSA) for employment consideration. However, budgetary limitations allowed for the recruitment of only 350 workers.
She explained that the employment of the 350 volunteers was financed through the Ministry of Health’s 2026 Supplementary Budget, noting that the allocation was insufficient to accommodate all qualified volunteers.
Madam Morris told lawmakers that the newly employed health workers are expected to begin receiving their salaries in August 2026.
She appealed to the Legislature to increase funding for the Ministry of Health in the next national budget so that the remaining volunteer health workers can be gradually integrated into the government payroll.
The ministry’s disclosure highlights the continuing challenge of absorbing thousands of volunteer health workers who have been providing essential healthcare services across Liberia while awaiting full government employment.
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