Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberian government and Plan International Liberia, with assistance from partners, celebrated World TB Day to raise awareness of tuberculosis in the nation. Under the theme “Yes, we can end TB,” the celebration, which brought together students, government representatives, political figures, medical professionals, and community people, was held at Paynesville City Hall.
Speaking on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the World TB Day event, Liberia First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai stated that although TB may be eradicated, it would need a team effort, calculated investment, and the steadfast commitment of all citizens to achieve this goal.
“The Ministry of Health made significant strides last year when it distributed gene expert machines throughout all 15 counties to boost diagnostic services and installed a digital X-ray machine with a calculated a dead device to improve TV screening. There are now 370 TB treatment service facilities, up from 277 in 2018, and six hospitals in four counties received Sysmex hematological analyzers. “These accomplishments show that with the correct collaboration and investments,” she said.
Additionally, Madam Boakai committed the 50 Olympus microscopes that the Global Fund had donated to the initiative to cutting-edge instruments that will improve laboratory agnostic services and guarantee all partners more precise and prompt TB testing. The Global Fund, WHO, and Plan International Liberia were thanked by the Liberian First Lady for supporting the country’s efforts to enhance the provision of healthcare.
According to Madam Miriam Murray, Country Director of Plan International Liberia, tuberculosis is one of the world’s health issues, and it is equally prevalent in Liberia. She urged Liberians to take TB seriously so that everyone is on board to eradicate the fatal illness in the nation.
According to the World Health Organization’s most recent statistics, Liberia’s TB Control Program has achieved great progress in the fight against the illness, but Madam Murray revealed that the country still has more work to do in 2025.
“The progress not only reflects the commitment of international partners to health equity, but it also symbolizes the dissemination to secure the rights of every Liberian citizen, especially the young ones who are to be free of TB,” stated the Country Director of Plan International Liberia.
“Plan International stands firmly with the Government of Liberia, represented here today by our board from the United Kingdom, and we continue to pledge our unwavering support to enhance efforts to earn TB, HIV, and malaria in this country.” Together, we strengthen our unity and raise our voices to eradicate HIV, malaria, and TB in Liberia. “Yes, if we are all dedicated, invest equally, and show good dedication, we can end tuberculosis,” she explained. “Our collective vision is very clear.”
Speaking as well, Liberia’s Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Catherine T. Cooper, of the Ministry of Health, urged Liberians to spread the word in their communities that tuberculosis is a deadly illness that affects members of the community.
“So many individuals in our communities are impacted. Some people continue to live in the villages and transmit the disease, while others are aware that they have tuberculosis, she added.
“The African region is bearing a heavy burden of 2.5 million new cases and 404,000 deaths, or one life loss every 78 seconds, so this situation demands bull action, renew commitment, and sustain investment to TV as a public threat or our continent and beyond,” the WHO stated.
According to the international Health Organization, international leaders, especially those from Africa, made audacious pledges to step up efforts to eradicate the fatal illness at the 2023 United Nations High Level Meeting on TB. According to WHO, authorities must translate such pledges into tangible steps to guarantee that everyone at risk has access to prompt and efficient TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in order to speed up the response.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
