In a timely intervention aimed at improving healthcare conditions within Liberia’s correctional system, the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Justice has received a consignment of assorted medical supplies from Serving Humanity for Empowerment and Development (SHED-Liberia), a local non-governmental organization based in Monrovia.
The donation, presented on Tuesday, July 22, at SHED’s offices along the Roberts field Highway in Paynesville, is part of a broader European Union-funded initiative titled “Strengthening Democracy and Respect for Fundamental Human Rights of Prisoners in Liberia.” The project, which began in January 2024, is expected to run through December 2026.
According to SHED’s Executive Director, Madam Joyce Q. Pajibo, the supplies will be distributed to five of Liberia’s sixteen correctional facilities, namely those in Nimba, Bong, Margibi, and Grand Cape Mount Counties, as well as the Monrovia Central Prison. The items include malaria drugs, antibiotics, STI treatments, skin disease medications, pain relievers, hepatitis test kits, sanitary pads for female inmates, and nose masks.
“This gesture is a testament to our commitment to upholding the fundamental human rights of prisoners,” said Pajibo. “Inmates—regardless of their crimes—are entitled to dignity and basic healthcare. Our partnership with the Ministry of Justice is intended to reinforce a humane and rights-based correctional environment.”
A System Under Pressure
The donation comes at a time when Liberia’s prison system is under increasing scrutiny for overcrowding, understaffing, and inadequate healthcare services. According to the Liberia National Human Rights Commission’s 2024 Annual Report, more than 70% of Liberia’s prison population consists of pre-trial detainees, and over 60% of prison facilities reported lacking consistent access to essential medical care.
The report highlighted high rates of communicable diseases, poor sanitation, and gender-specific challenges such as inadequate reproductive health support for female inmates.
In 2023, a joint UN and Liberian Government assessment of prison health services revealed that only 8 out of 16 correctional facilities had access to a dedicated health worker, and less than 25% of inmates received regular health screenings.
Against this backdrop, SHED’s medical donation is not only symbolic but strategically important. It signals growing civil society involvement in addressing systemic gaps within Liberia’s criminal justice system.
Government Commends Support
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Justice Ministry, Assistant Minister for Corrections and Rehabilitation, Atty. Gabriel F. Ndupellar, expressed gratitude for what he described as a “timely and strategic” intervention.
“This donation comes at a time when we are striving to improve the standard of care for our inmates,” said Ndupellar. “It will directly address urgent medical needs in five counties and will help reduce the burden on our strained correctional healthcare system.”
He assured the public that the supplies will be “fully accounted for and used exclusively” to support inmate healthcare. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that promote rehabilitation, reintegration, and respect for prisoner rights.
A Rights-Based Correctional Model
SHED-Liberia has emerged as a strong advocate for rights-based correctional reforms in Liberia. Through its EU-funded project, the organization is working to integrate healthcare, legal aid, and social reintegration support across select prison facilities.
Pajibo emphasized that access to healthcare is not only a legal obligation under international conventions but also a cornerstone of democracy and restorative justice.
“A functioning justice system is measured not only by how it prosecutes but also by how it treats those behind bars,” she added. “We will continue to work with the Ministry of Justice to ensure that inmates are not forgotten in our national development efforts.”
oward Sustainable Correctional Health
Liberia’s path toward sustainable prison reform must prioritize inmate health and human rights, experts say. Partnerships like the one between SHED and the Ministry of Justice are key to filling critical service gaps while advocating for broader systemic change.
As the donation makes its way to correctional facilities in the coming weeks, its impact will be measured not just in medication dispensed, but in lives dignified—and systems strengthened.
