Liberia Medicines & Health Products Regulatory Authority

Liberia Medicines & Health Products Regulatory Authority LMHRA is charged with the responsibilty to ensure that all medicines and health products consume in Liberia are safe, effective and of good quality

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASELMHRA Seizes Substandard & Falsified Medicines Worth L$400,000 -In Major Regional Enforcement Opera...
01/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LMHRA Seizes Substandard & Falsified Medicines Worth L$400,000
-In Major Regional Enforcement Operation

(B**g County, Liberia–June 1, 2026): In a decisive move to protect communities from dangerous and potentially life-threatening medicines, the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA) has intensified its nationwide fight against Substandard and Falsified (SF) pharmaceutical products through a major enforcement operation across Region-2.

The operation, currently ongoing in B**g County and led by Region-2 Manager Dr. Andrew Keagon, targets the illegal distribution and sale of falsified medicines and health products that continue to threaten the well-being of thousands of Liberians.

During the ongoing inspections and raids, LMHRA officers have confiscated counterfeit, adulterated, and substandard medicines with an estimated market value of approximately L$400,000. The seized products will be transferred to the Authority’s headquarters in Monrovia for detailed investigation and subsequent destruction.

Dr. Keagon emphasized that the Authority will remain relentless in its efforts to eliminate unsafe medicines from the market.
"The health and safety of the Liberian people remain our highest priority. We will continue to identify, seize, and remove falsified and substandard products wherever they are found. There is no place in Liberia's healthcare system for dangerous medicines," he stated.

The regional operation forms part of LMHRA’s ongoing commitment to enforcing national pharmaceutical regulations and protecting consumers from products that can cause treatment failure, severe illness, drug resistance, and preventable deaths.
Following the completion of activities in B**g County, enforcement teams will expand operations into Nimba County, continuing the Authority’s efforts to dismantle illegal medicine networks and strengthen regulatory compliance across the region.

Community members have welcomed the intervention, describing it as a critical step toward improving access to safe and quality medicines, particularly in rural areas where healthcare challenges remain significant.
LMHRA calls on the public, healthcare providers, and business operators to support the Authority’s efforts by reporting suspicious medicines and ensuring that all medical products are obtained from licensed and authorized sources.

Through sustained surveillance, enforcement, and public engagement, LMHRA remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring that every Liberian has access to safe, quality, and effective medicines.

-END-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASELMHRA Reinforces Commitment To Stronger Laboratory Systems-Sponsors Celebrate-LAB West Africa 2026 ...
01/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LMHRA Reinforces Commitment To Stronger Laboratory Systems
-Sponsors Celebrate-LAB West Africa 2026 Annual Conference

(Monrovia, Liberia–June 1, 2026) The Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening laboratory systems, regulatory excellence, and public health across the region.

The authority proudly served as an official sponsor of the 2026 Celebrate-LAB West Africa Annual Conference,

The conference, held at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, brought together laboratory professionals, scientists, researchers, development partners, academics, young professionals, and public health stakeholders from across West Africa under the theme: “One Voice: Advancing Collaborative and Inclusive Laboratory Systems.”

The annual gathering provided a platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions on laboratory science, diagnostics, innovation, workforce development, research, and regional collaboration aimed at improving health outcomes and strengthening health systems throughout Africa.

As part of the conference proceedings, LMHRA participated in a plenary panel discussion on “Regulations and Clinical Research: Strengthening Regulatory Compliance in Medicines and Medical Devices.” Representing the Authority were Dr. Jwue Kercula, Head of Clinical Trials; Dr. Morrison Tamba, Region-3 Manager; and Dr. Sandra Nagbe, Training Coordinator.

During the discussion, the LMHRA representatives highlighted the critical role of regulatory compliance in ensuring that medicines and medical devices are safe, effective, and ethically evaluated before reaching the public. The panel also underscored the importance of public awareness and education in promoting compliance and safeguarding public health.

The team further noted that limited financial resources for nationwide awareness campaigns remain a challenge in effectively communicating regulatory requirements and public health messages to communities across Liberia.

Delivering remarks during the conference, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Liberia, Dr. Olushayo Olu, emphasized the indispensable role of laboratories in building resilient health systems.
“Strong laboratory systems are no longer optional—they are essential. Without robust laboratory capacity, health systems cannot effectively detect, monitor, and respond to emerging and re-emerging health threats,” Dr. Olu stated.

He referenced the ongoing Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a reminder of the critical role laboratories play in disease surveillance, preparedness, and response.
“Laboratories save lives, protect communities, and strengthen national and regional preparedness,” he added.

Dr. Olu further encouraged participants to focus on practical, context-specific, and home-grown solutions that address Africa’s unique challenges through strengthened policy frameworks, workforce development, research, innovation, partnerships, and support for emerging scientists.

LMHRA recognizes the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in advancing laboratory services and regulatory systems and remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance scientific excellence, healthcare quality, and public health security throughout Liberia and the region.

Celebrate LAB West Africa is an annual conference and networking platform headquartered in Monrovia, Liberia. The organization connects professionals from public and private health sectors, academia, research institutions, and medical industries to strengthen laboratory networks, research capacity, and health systems across West Africa.

The Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA) is the national regulatory authority responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, efficacy, and proper regulation of medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and other health products in Liberia through effective oversight, compliance monitoring, and public health protection.

-END-

Happy Birthday, Dr. Patricia Quaye-FreemanOn behalf of the entire staff at the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Reg...
15/05/2026

Happy Birthday, Dr. Patricia Quaye-Freeman
On behalf of the entire staff at the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), we would like to extend our warmest and most sincere birthday wishes to you

Liberia Strengthens Commitment to Safer Medicines at Key Africa Health Meeting(Monrovia-April 30, 2026): Liberia is rein...
30/04/2026

Liberia Strengthens Commitment to Safer Medicines at Key Africa Health Meeting

(Monrovia-April 30, 2026): Liberia is reinforcing its role in Africa’s evolving pharmaceutical sector as a senior official from the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA) takes part in high-level continental discussions on medicine quality and regulation.

Dr. Patricia Quaye-Freeman, Deputy Managing Director of LMHRA, is representing Liberia in Johannesburg at the third Africa Chapter meeting of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), held from April 28–29, 2026. The meeting convenes regulators, healthcare professionals, academics, and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond to address shared challenges in ensuring the safety and quality of medicines.

The USP Convention—comprising more than 450 organizations globally—periodically meets to establish and refine international standards for medicines and public health. Its regional chapters, including the Africa Chapter, serve as platforms for collaboration and policy alignment on issues affecting access to safe, high-quality pharmaceuticals.

This year’s meeting is being held in partnership with the African Medicines Agency (AMA), reflecting growing efforts to strengthen regulatory systems and improve access to quality-assured medicines across the continent.

Deliberations are focused on critical challenges, including weak regulatory frameworks, the prevalence of substandard and falsified medicines, and the need for greater harmonization of pharmaceutical standards. Participants are engaging in policy dialogue, exploring joint initiatives, and identifying practical approaches to close regulatory gaps.

For Liberia, Dr. Quaye-Freeman’s participation is both strategic and forward-looking. Engagement with international experts and regional counterparts is expected to enhance LMHRA’s technical capacity in areas such as medicine evaluation, inspection, and quality assurance. Access to globally recognized benchmarks, including the USP–National Formulary, will further support the strengthening of Liberia’s regulatory systems.

The forum also offers Liberia an opportunity to contribute to shaping continental policy frameworks. By sharing its experiences and constraints, LMHRA is helping ensure that regional strategies are grounded in practical realities, including resource limitations and country-specific health priorities.

Regulatory harmonization remains a central objective. Disparate systems across Africa often delay medicine approvals and create inefficiencies. Closer alignment through collaboration with AMA and USP could streamline processes, enabling faster access to safe medicines and improved public health outcomes.

Addressing the persistent threat of substandard and falsified medicines is another priority. Enhanced cooperation and information-sharing mechanisms are expected to improve Liberia’s capacity to detect and prevent unsafe pharmaceutical products from entering the market.

Beyond regulation, the meeting also underscores opportunities in local pharmaceutical manufacturing. Stronger oversight frameworks can boost confidence in locally produced medicines and support investment in the sector—an area with significant growth potential for Liberia.

Officials emphasize that participation in the USP Africa Chapter meeting extends beyond representation. It is a strategic effort to secure the tools, partnerships, and influence necessary to build a more effective regulatory system—one that ensures safer medicines, accelerates approvals, and delivers better health outcomes for the Liberian population.

As discussions continue in Johannesburg, Liberia’s engagement highlights its commitment not only to keeping pace with continental reforms but to actively contributing to their direction.

LMHRA Managing Director Honored for Support of MCSS Student ProgramsMONROVIA – The Sports and Extra-Curricular Departmen...
30/04/2026

LMHRA Managing Director Honored for Support of MCSS Student Programs

MONROVIA – The Sports and Extra-Curricular Department of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) has recognized Hon. Luke L. Bawo, Managing Director of the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), with an Award of Appreciation for his institution’s exceptional support to student development initiatives.

The award highlights LMHRA’s sustained financial contributions and institutional backing of sports and extracurricular programs during the 2025/2026 academic year. According to MCSS officials, this support has significantly strengthened student participation in athletics and broadened engagement in non-academic activities across the school system.

Originally scheduled for presentation on February 27, 2026, at Monrovia City Hall, the ceremony was postponed due to the Managing Director’s official commitments. The award was subsequently presented at the MCSS Central Office during a formal program attended by key staff of the Sports and Extra-Curricular Department.

Assistant Director for Sports and Extra-Curricular Activities, Mr. Samuel A. Hasay, presented the award to Mr. Momoh B. Siryon, Communications Manager of the LMHRA, who accepted on behalf of Hon. Bawo. The event was witnessed by the Deputy Director of the MCSS Sports Department and other departmental personnel.

Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director, Mr. Siryon expressed appreciation for the recognition and reaffirmed LMHRA’s commitment to its partnership with MCSS. He emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration in advancing youth development and educational initiatives.

Mr. Siryon also reiterated LMHRA’s mandate to ensure the availability of safe, effective, and high-quality medicines and health products across Liberia. He noted that under Hon. Bawo’s leadership, the authority has intensified efforts to align its regulatory systems with international standards.

He outlined several key initiatives, including a US$9 million partnership with Quality Management Solution (QMS) to modernize the LMHRA Quality Control Laboratory, and the implementation of a “Track and Trace” system in collaboration with Kulinda Liberia Limited to enhance the monitoring and traceability of medicines nationwide.

Additionally, he referenced the ongoing construction of a modern medical waste disposal facility in Koko Town, Margibi County. The project, which includes an incineration system, is part of LMHRA’s broader strategy to strengthen public health safeguards and environmental protection.
Mr. Siryon further indicated that the authority intends to expand its regulatory outreach and deepen engagement with educational institutions, including MCSS. These efforts aim to promote health awareness among students while reinforcing the connection between public health and education.
The recognition underscores the growing collaboration between LMHRA and MCSS, particularly in fostering environments that support both academic and extracurricular excellence among Liberia’s youth.

LMHRA Concludes Intensive Inspection-Uncovers Unregistered Medicines in MonroviaMonrovia, Liberia–April 16, 2026: The Li...
16/04/2026

LMHRA Concludes Intensive Inspection
-Uncovers Unregistered Medicines in Monrovia

Monrovia, Liberia–April 16, 2026: The Liberia Medicines & Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA) has concluded a three-day intensive inspection of pharmacies and medicine stores across Monrovia, revealing a concerning presence of unregistered and unauthorized medical products on the market.

The operation, which began earlier this week and ended on Wednesday, April 14, was conducted by a specialized enforcement team led by Deputy Managing Director Dr. Patricia Quaye-Freeeman. The exercise focused primarily on medicines labeled as originating from the United States and Europe, to verify whether these products had been properly registered and approved for distribution in Liberia.

Beyond verifying registration status, the inspection also sought to determine whether such medicines were illegally imported outside established regulatory channels. Additionally, the team assessed storage conditions in various facilities—an essential factor in maintaining the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical products.

Preliminary findings indicate multiple violations. Several pharmacies and medicine stores were found to be stocking unregistered products from the United States and Europe, raising serious concerns about regulatory compliance and potential public health risks.

Businesses implicated in these violations have been formally summoned to the LMHRA head office for further investigation, signaling the likelihood of stricter enforcement actions depending on the outcomes.

Speaking at the conclusion of the exercise, Dr. Quaye-Freeeman described the operation as both necessary and effective.
“The inspection achieved its aim. We uncovered numerous unregistered American and European products, and those involved have been invited for questioning,” she stated.

She further emphasized that the findings highlight the need for broader regulatory oversight and disclosed that the authority is considering expanding similar inspections beyond Monrovia to ensure nationwide compliance.

The LMHRA, mandated to regulate medicines and health products in Liberia, has intensified its efforts in recent years to combat the circulation of counterfeit, substandard, and unapproved products.

According to Dr. Quaye-Freeeman, these measures are critical to safeguarding public health and strengthening confidence in the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
With plans underway for a nationwide rollout, stakeholders in the health sector should anticipate increased scrutiny as the LMHRA strengthens enforcement of its regulatory framework.

EASTER MESSAGE 2026From the Office of the Managing DirectorLiberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (L...
29/03/2026

EASTER MESSAGE 2026

From the Office of the Managing Director
Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA)
Dr. Luke L. Bawo

Fellow Staff of LMHRA, Partners, and the General Public,
As we commemorate the sacred season of Easter, I extend warm greetings and heartfelt reflections to you all.
Easter is a profound reminder of sacrifice, renewal, hope, and the triumph of life over adversity. These values resonate deeply with the mission of the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), which remains committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of the Liberian people.
In the past year, we have continued to make meaningful progress in strengthening our regulatory systems, enhancing quality control mechanisms, and advancing toward internationally recognized standards. Our collective efforts are driven by a singular purpose—to protect the public from substandard, falsified, and unsafe medicines and health products, and to ensure that only safe, effective, and quality products reach our citizens .
This Easter season calls on us to renew our dedication to service, integrity, and excellence. To our hardworking staff, I commend your resilience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment in the face of evolving public health challenges. Your role remains critical in reinforcing trust in our health system and advancing national development.
To our partners and stakeholders, we appreciate your continued collaboration and support in strengthening Liberia’s regulatory framework. Together, we are building a more robust and credible system that aligns with global best practices.
To the general public, I urge you to remain vigilant and supportive of our mandate. Let us all work collectively to promote the responsible use of medicines and report any suspected substandard or counterfeit products.
As we celebrate Easter, may this season inspire renewed hope, unity, and a shared commitment to protecting the health of our nation.
On behalf of the Management of LMHRA, I wish you and your families a peaceful, joyful, and blessed Easter.

Happy Easter!

Dr. Luke L. Bawo
Managing Director
Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA)

LMHRA Boss Attends Key Regional Bio-Manufacturing ForumMonrovia, Liberia–March 2026–The Managing Director of the Liberia...
26/03/2026

LMHRA Boss Attends Key Regional Bio-Manufacturing Forum

Monrovia, Liberia–March 2026–The Managing Director of the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority, Dr. Luke L. Bawo, has left the country to participate in a major regional forum aimed at strengthening bio-manufacturing and expanding access to essential health products across West Africa.

The West African Bio-manufacturing Regulation & Market Access Forum, kicked-off for March 24–25, 2026, in Accra, will assemble regulators, policymakers, manufacturers, financiers, and development partners under the theme: “Leveraging Health Security and Regulatory Collaboration under AfCFTA to Advance Local Production and Access to Vaccines, Sera & Biologics in Africa.”

The forum is jointly convened by the African Medicines Agency, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Government of Ghana, with support from partners including Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, and the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut.

Dr. Bawo’s participation reflects growing urgency among African nations to reduce dependence on imported vaccines and biologics. The continent still sources over 90 percent of its pharmaceuticals externally—a vulnerability exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when supply chain disruptions constrained access to critical health commodities.

The Accra forum is designed as a working platform—not merely a policy dialogue—to advance coordinated solutions in regulatory harmonization, cross-border market access, and sustainable financing for local production.

Deliberations will align closely with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which provides the legal and economic basis for reducing trade barriers and promoting intra-African pharmaceutical commerce.

A central focus will be the implementation of the 2025 Reliance Memorandum of Understanding among countries with WHO Maturity Level-3 regulatory systems. The framework is expected to streamline medicine approvals, enhance quality assurance, and accelerate access to vaccines and other biologics across borders.

Participants will interrogate three persistent constraints limiting bio-manufacturing growth in West Africa: Limited domestic production capacity; fragmented regulatory regimes; weak cross-border market integration In parallel, the forum will address declining donor financing—particularly from institutions such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance—and explore investment models capable of sustaining local manufacturing ecosystems.

The meeting is expected to yield concrete outputs, including: a regional baseline assessment of biomanufacturing and regulatory capacity; identification of key regulatory and market access barriers; Priority investment and workforce development areas and joint communiqué outlining agreed actions and timelines.

Liberia’s participation through LMHRA places the country within ongoing regional efforts to build a coordinated pharmaceutical production base. Engagement at this level is expected to strengthen regulatory capacity, expand technical partnerships, and improve access to essential vaccines and biologics.

Beyond immediate health outcomes, the forum is positioned to influence broader economic priorities—supporting industrialization, enhancing trade competitiveness, and reducing long-term import dependence. If effectively implemented, outcomes from the Accra meeting could accelerate West Africa’s transition from a largely import-dependent market to a more self-sustaining bio-manufacturing hub.

International Women’s Day Message – 2026From the Managing Director of the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulato...
06/03/2026

International Women’s Day Message – 2026
From the Managing Director of the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), Dr. Luke L. Bawo

On this year’s International Women’s Day, I extend warm greetings and heartfelt appreciation to all female employees of the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), as well as to women across Liberia and around the world.

International Women’s Day provides an important moment to recognize the resilience, leadership, and contributions of women in every sector of society. Within LMHRA, women continue to play indispensable roles in strengthening our regulatory systems, advancing public health protection, and ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines and health products for the people of Liberia.

Your professionalism, dedication, and commitment to excellence significantly contribute to the Authority’s mission of safeguarding the health of our nation. From regulatory science and pharmacovigilance to administration, inspection, laboratory services, and community engagement, the impact of your work is visible and deeply valued.

Today also reminds us that achieving gender equality requires continuous effort. As an institution, LMHRA remains committed to fostering a workplace that promotes inclusion, equal opportunity, professional development, and respect for the rights and dignity of women.

To our female staff members and to all women across Liberia and the world, I commend your courage, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to building healthier communities and a stronger future for generations to come.

On behalf of the leadership of LMHRA, I wish you a meaningful and inspiring International Women’s Day.

Happy International Women’s Day.

Dr. Luke L. Bawo
Managing Director
Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA)

To ensure that Substandard and Falsified medicines are eradicated from the Liberian market, LMHRA begins a nationwide un...
05/03/2026

To ensure that Substandard and Falsified medicines are eradicated from the Liberian market, LMHRA begins a nationwide unannounced confiscation on street peddlers.

Address

Mamba Point
Monrovia

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Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

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+231777140555

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