Grand Kru County Health Health Team Ready for Mass Drug Administration and HPV Vaccination Campaigns

By:  Emmanuel Koffa I Grand Kru County Correspondent

Barclayville City, Grand Kru County– November 14, 2025–Grand Kru County Health Officer, Dr. Leaqwillie Craig, has announced that the County Health Team (CHT) is fully prepared to conduct both the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) for the prevention of Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) and Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis or Big Foot), as well as the upcoming Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign across the county.

Speaking in an exclusive interview following a coordination meeting with health workers and partner institutions, Dr. Craig underscored the significance of these health interventions, describing them as vital to the county’s public health and population development efforts.

“The Grand Kru County Health Team is in full readiness to carry out these major health campaigns,” Dr. Craig said. “Both the MDA for River Blindness and Elephantiasis and the HPV vaccination exercise are crucial for protecting our communities, especially women and children.”

He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health and its partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and GAVI, for their continued technical and logistical support in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and other preventable illnesses.

Dr. Craig further commended the dedication of the county’s health workers, noting that Grand Kru has consistently met its targets during previous public health campaigns.

“Our team continues to demonstrate commitment and professionalism,” he noted. “Each campaign shows how dedicated our health workers are to saving lives and ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Emphasizing on the importance of both interventions, the Grand Kru County health officer explained that the Mass Drug Administration helps prevent blindness and severe physical disability caused by Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis, while the HPV vaccine protects adolescent girls from cervical cancer.

He emphasized that these programs are essential to improving community health outcomes and advancing population growth and development in Grand Kru County.

 “These two activities are very critical to the health and future of our people,” Dr. Craig added. “We encourage everyone to take advantage of the services, as the vaccines and drugs are free, safe, and effective.”

The Grand Kru County Health Team, working alongside line ministries, local authorities, and community stakeholders, is set to begin the vaccination and drug administration exercises in the coming days.

According to him, health workers will be deployed across 25 health facilities and outreach sites throughout the county to ensure broad participation.

The initiatives form part of the Ministry of Health’s broader effort to eliminate neglected tropical diseases and strengthen preventive health measures across Liberia.