Liberia’s First Lady, Ms. Kattumu Boakai, has issued a fervent call to action against tuberculosis (TB), emphasizing the urgent need for a concerted national effort to combat the disease. Speaking at a World TB Day event in Monrovia on March 26, 2025, Ms. Boakai, who also serves as Liberia’s National TB Ambassador, stressed the importance of collaborative engagement involving government bodies, healthcare professionals, international partners, and the public. She highlighted the potential for significant progress against TB with strategic investments and unwavering commitment, underscoring the event’s dedication of 50 Olympus microscopes, provided by the Global Fund, to bolster laboratory diagnostic capabilities. Ms. Boakai urged Liberians to embrace preventative measures, including early testing, adherence to treatment protocols, and maintaining healthy living conditions.
The First Lady reaffirmed her dedication to improving the health and well-being of all Liberians, expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Health and its partners for their ongoing support in the fight against TB. Acknowledging the persistent global health challenge posed by TB, she noted that while Liberia has made strides, much work remains. Echoing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) statistics, she highlighted the alarming rate of one life lost every 78 seconds globally due to TB. This grim reality necessitates renewed commitment and sustained investment to eradicate TB as a public health threat, both within Liberia and across the continent. Ms. Boakai underscored that ending TB is achievable, but only with collective dedication and strategic resource allocation to fulfill promises made.
The World TB Day event, themed “Yes! We Can End TB – Commit – Invest – Deliver,” brought together key stakeholders including the Ministry of Health, WHO, Plan International Liberia, The Global Fund, Partners in Health, and the Carter Center, among others. Students from Montserrado County also participated in the event, which commenced with a parade from the Ministry of Health in Congo Town to the Paynesville City Hall. This collaborative gathering served to reinforce the message of shared responsibility in combating TB.
Ms. Boakai’s call to action aligns with global concerns about TB’s persistent threat. The WHO has urged member states, policymakers, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and partners to intensify efforts and address the critical funding gap for TB control by increasing investments at both national and international levels. This call echoes the sentiment expressed by Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO Regional Director for Africa, who acknowledged progress made by Liberia’s TB Control Program but emphasized the need for continued vigilance and action.
Plan International Liberia has also pledged its ongoing support to the Liberian government’s efforts to combat TB, HIV, and malaria. Miriam Murray, Country Director of Plan International Liberia, stressed the importance of relentless efforts in addressing TB, particularly given its high prevalence in Liberia. She emphasized the need for a united front to combat any obstacles hindering the development of young people, women, girls, and communities. Murray’s remarks highlighted the significance of recognizing TB as a serious health concern and ensuring universal commitment to its eradication in Liberia.
The combined efforts of the First Lady, the Ministry of Health, international organizations, and civil society reflect a multi-faceted approach to tackling TB in Liberia. The emphasis on community engagement, early detection, and adequate treatment adherence underscores the importance of a comprehensive strategy that addresses both prevention and care. The dedication of new diagnostic equipment signifies a commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and enhancing diagnostic capabilities, vital components in effectively managing TB.
The World TB Day event in Monrovia served as a platform to galvanize support and reinforce the message that ending TB is achievable through collective action, strategic investment, and unwavering dedication. The participation of various stakeholders, including international partners and local communities, further demonstrates the collaborative spirit needed to effectively address this persistent global health challenge. The First Lady’s call to action, coupled with the commitment of partners and the dedication of resources, offers a renewed sense of hope in the fight against TB in Liberia.
