…As Montserrado Accounts for 40% of Cases in Liberia

Liberia’s HIV burden has reached an estimated 36,000 people, according to newly compiled data highlighting major geographic hotspots and community-level concentrations. The numbers reveal that Montserrado County alone accounts for 40% of all known cases, with DuPort Road and the Paynesville communities emerging as the highest-burden communities nationwide.

Health officials say the data underscores the need for targeted interventions, stronger community awareness, and expanded treatment access, especially in urban and high-mobility communities.

With 14,400 people living with HIV, Montserrado remains the country’s hardest-hit county. Several communities in Paynesville and Monrovia account for large clusters of cases:

DuPort Road — 4,456 cases
Paynesville (Red Light, Parker Corner, 72nd) — 2,200, Duala — 2,000, New Kru Town — 2,000, Sinkor (Old Road, 12th Street, Airfield) — 1,500, West Point — 800, Logan Town — 700, Gardnersville — 700, Caldwell — 744

Health experts say these communities’ high population density, economic activity, and mobility patterns make them critical zones for intervention.

Following Montserrado, Nimba County accounts for 20% of Liberia’s HIV burden, with 7,200 people living with the virus. Major hotspots include:

Ganta — 2,640
Sanniquellie — 1,320
Tappita — 1,020
Bahn — 540
Karnplay — 480
Zoe Geh & surrounding towns — 1,200

Lofa County follows closely with 5,400 cases (15%) led by:
Voinjama — 1,800
Foya — 1,400
Zorzor — 1,050
Kolahun — 700
Salayea — 450

Though rural and less densely populated, Liberia’s remaining counties collectively hold *9,000 HIV cases*, including key concentrations in:
Bong — 1,800
Grand Bassa — 1,300
Margibi — 1,200
Maryland — 1,000
Grand Gedeh — 800
Sinoe — 400
Bomi — 300
Gbarpolu — 150
River Cess — 150
Grand Kru — 150
River Gee — 50

While these counties show lower absolute numbers, health workers warn that limited testing access and stigma could mask the true extent of the epidemic.

Written By:
Brandalyn KY Wollarh
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