M𝐨𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐚, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟑𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai wants intensified efforts involving citizens and residents across Liberia and beyond in combatting tuberculosis (TB), a disease that remains a national public health concern.
Mrs. Boakai urges the direct involvement of communities, civil society organizations, and individuals to enhance public awareness, break stigma and discrimination, and encourage timely testing and treatment. The First Lady said that while the Liberian government’s provision of state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to enhance testing and treatment was critical, individuals and associations at the grassroots level have an important role to play.
“We need every Liberian—our communities, civil society organizations, and individuals—to commit to the fight against TB,” the First Lady said while pointing out that “Together, we can raise awareness, break the stigma, and encourage timely testing and treatment.” The First Lady’s call was contained in her special message, read by her Media and Communication Consultant Varfee Holmes at this year’s World Tuberculosis Day commemoration.
Liberia is, however, making headways. Over the past five years, the number of TB service centers across the country increased remarkably from 277 to 370, and digital x-ray, GeneXpert, and Sysmex hematology analyzers, among others, were distributed to major hospitals, boosting screening and diagnostic services.
With the dedication of an additional 50 Olympus microscopes provided by the Global Fund, Mrs. Boakai described the development as indicative of the government’s incredible partnership and expedient investment.
“These advanced tools will further enhance our laboratory diagnostic services, ensuring more accurate and timely TB detection,” the statement said, while extolling Global Fund, World Health Organization, and Plan International in supporting Liberia to improve healthcare delivery. “As the newest National TB Champion, I call on all Liberians to take the right precautionary measures, including early testing, proper treatment adherence, and maintaining healthy living conditions. Ending TB requires unity, commitment, and the determination to see a healthier Liberia.”
During the commemoration of this year’s World TB Day, Mrs. Boakai accepted the call to champion the National Tuberculosis program, noting that this commitment reaffirmed her dedication to improving the health and well-being of citizens.
The First Lady, who also champions maternal and neonatal health, is remodeling several public Health facilities, especially the maternity wards, to restore the all-deserving dignity and respect of pregnant mothers and newborn babies. Referencing renowned health advocate Paul Farmer’s assertion that “The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world,” Mrs. Boakai emphasized that “every life is precious,” challenging everyone to take responsibility “in ensuring TB is no longer a threat to families and communities.”
Commemorated under the global and national themes “ENDING TB, YES WE CAN!” and “Together, let us commit, invest, and deliver for a TB-free Liberia,” the event brought together government officials, stakeholders, including international partners and students.
𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐁 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟒 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐮𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐬