By Grace Q. Bryant
Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating tuberculosis (TB) as government officials, health professionals, and civil society groups came together to mark World TB Day 2025.
The event, held at Paynesville City Hall, underscored the nation’s determination to fight TB through collective action, increased funding, and expanded public awareness.
Under the theme “Yes, We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” the commemoration highlighted Liberia’s progress in combating the disease while acknowledging the challenges that remain.
The event brought together students, medical practitioners, political leaders, and international partners such as Plan International Liberia, The Global Fund, the World Health Organization (WHO), Healthy Life, Partners in Health, and The Carter Center, all pledging to intensify efforts to eliminate TB.
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with Plan International, WHO, Healthy Life, Partners in Health, and The Carter Center, organized the program with funding from The Global Fund.
As part of the event, a presidential proclamation was read, emphasizing Liberia’s commitment to TB eradication.
Delivered by Patrick W. Bucha, Jr., Student Council President of Elizabeth Croco Memorial High School, the proclamation outlined the President’s vision and priorities for tackling TB.
The document recognized TB as a global health crisis and detailed Liberia’s national strategy to combat the disease.
According to the 2024 WHO Report, an estimated 10.8 million people worldwide contracted TB in 2023, with 1.25 million deaths.
Liberia remains among the 30 high-burden TB countries, with an estimated incidence rate of 308 cases per 100,000 people.
In 2023, Liberia reported 7,447 TB cases, with 100% of patients tested for HIV. Of those tested, 10% were TB-HIV co-infected, and 90% of those co-infected were initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART). The country also identified 156 multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases, with 81% receiving treatment.
In his proclamation, President Boakai declared March 24, 2025, as World TB Day, calling for national awareness, investments, and stronger health interventions to fight TB.
A major highlight of the event was the appointment of First Lady Kartumu Boakai as Liberia’s National TB Champion. Though absent due to travel, she pledged in a statement to use her platform to advocate for greater awareness and increased funding.
“As National TB Champion, I will work to ensure that every Liberian has access to the healthcare they need. Ending TB requires unity, commitment, and determination,” she affirmed.
The Office of the First Lady extended gratitude to The Global Fund, WHO, and Plan International Liberia for their continued support in improving Liberia’s healthcare system.
During the event, a representative from the First Lady’s office emphasized that ending TB is achievable but requires strategic investments and unwavering national dedication.
“We have witnessed remarkable progress, including the introduction of digital X-ray machines and GeneXpert diagnostic tools in all 15 counties, as well as an increase in TB treatment centers from 277 in 2018 to 370 today. These advancements prove that with the right partnerships and investments, we can end TB in Liberia, “the representative said.
To further strengthen TB diagnosis and treatment, The Global Fund officially handed over 50 Olympus microscopes to enhance laboratory diagnostics for more accurate and timely TB detection.
Despite these achievements, stigma, misinformation, and inadequate funding remain significant challenges. Liberia’s Chief Medical Officer, Catherine T. Cooper, urged citizens to take TB awareness seriously.
“Many people with TB are unaware of their condition and continue to infect others. We must act boldly, renew our commitment, and sustain investments to tackle TB as a public health threat,” she said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized that the African region bears a heavy TB burden, with 2.5 million new cases and 404,000 deaths annually—equivalent to one life lost every 78 seconds.
Miriam Murray, Country Director of Plan International Liberia, reiterated her organization’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s fight against TB.
“Ending TB is not just about medical interventions—it’s about health equity and ensuring that every Liberian, especially young people, is protected,” she stated.
She highlighted the importance of youth involvement in health initiatives, urging young people to educate their communities, challenge misinformation, and actively participate in TB prevention efforts.
Murray also reaffirmed Plan International’s continued partnership with the Government of Liberia, stressing that sustained investment and collective action are essential to ending TB, HIV, and malaria.
Liberia has made significant strides in TB detection and treatment, but stigma, misinformation, and funding gaps continue to hinder full eradication.
The event concluded with a renewed call to action, urging government agencies, civil society organizations, international partners, and communities to work together to end TB.
With strengthened partnerships, increased investments, and a united national effort, Liberia can achieve its goal of eliminating TB and ensuring a healthier future for all.
Liberia Unites Against Tuberculosis
