As we conclude our celebration of World Health Day, here are eight important facts about the healthcare system in Liberia.

• In 2014, the recorded HIV prevalence was 2% for adults age 15 – 49

• The most common cause of death for Liberians is malaria.

• In 2011, the WHO reported that 18% of Liberian males smoked tobacco compared to 2% of women.

• The Liberian government spent 12% of general government expenditure on healthcare in the 2014/2015 fiscal year.
• 95% of the countries healthcare facilities were destroyed during the civil war.

• Many traditional healers in Liberia are recognized by and in some cases work in partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

• Life expectancy in Liberia for men is 61 years, for women 63 years. Neighboring Guinea has an average life expectancy for men and women of 58.

• The prevalence of people with red eyes in Liberia and West Africa while can be symptomatic of other diseases, is most commonly a result of the effects of the equatorial sun on eyes that are not being protected with sunglasses.

Featured photo by UNMEER/Aalok Kanani