Dr. Hawa Koon Encourages Liberians, “Diabetes Is Not a Death Sentence”
By Amos Harris
The John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and national and international partners, joined the global community on Saturday, November 15, 2025, to celebrate World Diabetes Day.
The colorful event, held at Park on PHP in Monrovia, highlighted early detection, treatment awareness, and overall wellness for people living with diabetes in Liberia. This year’s observance was marked under the global theme, “Diabetes and Well-being,” with a unique focus on Liberia’s sub-theme: “Ensuring Emotional and Mental Well-Being for Children and Families Living with Type 1 Diabetes.”
The celebration brought together health workers, government officials, civil society actors, and community members for a day of education, screening, and empowerment.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Hawa Koon, a distinguished diabetes consultant and pediatric endocrinologist at JFK Medical Center, underscored that “diabetes is not a death sentence.”
Dr. Koon, who is also a medical school instructor, faculty lead for Liberia’s only high-fidelity medical simulation center, and a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians, encouraged Liberians to take charge of their health through regular medical check-ups, medication adherence, and healthy lifestyle choices.
She also emphasized the need for consistent treatment routines, stressing that failure to manage the condition properly could lead to severe long-term complications.
Importantly, Dr. Koon urged parents to remain vigilant about their children’s health. She warned that frequent nighttime urination in children should not be overlooked, as it may be an early indication of Type 1 diabetes.
“A child does not suddenly begin to urinate uncontrollably overnight. Parents must monitor such signs and seek early medical advice,” she cautioned.
The day’s events featured free diabetes screenings, community health awareness, wellness education, and on-the-spot counseling provided by doctors, nurses, and other health professionals. Both children and adults received free testing and treatment as part of JFK’s continued commitment to expanding access to diabetes care.
Patients living with diabetes also shared their personal journeys, describing the support, treatment, and lifestyle adjustments that have helped them manage the condition successfully from the earliest stages.
Health partners praised JFK and the Ministry of Health for their unwavering leadership in advancing diabetes care nationwide and strengthening Liberia’s broader public health system. The observance reaffirmed Liberia’s dedication to fighting diabetes through education, early testing, and compassionate clinical support, ensuring that more families can live healthier and more informed lives.
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