Boakai Launches $250,000 HIV Response Fundraising Drive -Donates Vehicles To National AIDS Commission

By Grace Bryant Mollay

President Joseph Boakai has officiallylaunched a US$250,000 fund raising campaign in domestic support for Liberia’s HIV response.

Speaking on behalf of President Boakai, Georgette Gray emphasized that the President remains deeply concerned about the well-being of all Liberians, especially those living with HIV.

She said the President was moved by the dire condition of the Commission including the complete lack of transportation and acted swiftly.

“He saw the photos, he heard the concerns, and he responded. He wanted to be sure this entity, which reaches people in all 15 counties, had the means to do its work. These vehicles are just the beginning,” Gray said.

She confirmed that the President personally contributed to the fundraising drive and encouraged other Liberians, both institutions and individuals to follow his example by offering financial and material support.

“If we don’t wash our own clothes, nobody will wash them for us. We must stop relying entirely on external donors and begin investing in our own health systems,” she said.

 Gray emphasized that the donation reflects a broader government vision to reduce dependence on external aid and mobilize domestic resources for national health priorities.

“The international community has supported us in the past, but many of those resources have dried up. We must learn to wash our own clothes. If you didn’t attend the fundraising dinner, we’re appealing to you for your support is still needed,” she added.

donated two double-cabin pickup vehicles to the National AIDS Commission (NAC) of Liberia, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the country’s health sector and supporting people living with HIV.

The donation follows a recent high-level fundraising dinner held under the theme: “Mobilizing Domestic Resources for Strengthening Coordination, Monitoring, and Oversight of HIV in Liberia.”

Meanwhile, the pronouncement was made during a symbolic handover ceremony at the NAC headquarters where its Chairperson Cecilia C. Nuetah expressed deep gratitude to President Boakai for his personal involvement in the Commission’s affairs.

She acknowledged his decision to serve as Chair of the NAC Board of Directors, describing his support as a demonstration of strong political will to improve the lives of Liberians living with HIV.

“We met an institution in distress; with no vehicles, limited budget, and staff working under difficult conditions. But today, thanks to the President’s goodwill and the success of our recent fundraising efforts, we now have two vehicles and nearly US$100,000 raised. This is a significant milestone,” Nuetah said.

She credited the success of the dinner and the President’s support to the tireless efforts of NAC staff and commissioners, many of whom coordinated logistics, dispatched hundreds of invitations, and helped produce materials to ensure the event’s success.

Nuetah also commended Georgette Gray, ex-officio representative from the Office of the President, for her relentless advocacy and support on behalf of the Commission.

Looking ahead, the Commission plans to diversify its funding strategies beyond the dinner.

Efforts are underway to engage partners who previously pledged support, and the NAC is exploring sustainable, income-generating activities to strengthen its operations.

Nuetah hinted that plans are being hatched to develop self-sustaining programs in the near future.“We’re not just asking for help. We want to use what we receive to generate more.”

She also underscored the urgent need for increased national budgetary support, pointing out that while donor contributions have declined in recent years, the demand for HIV-related services continues to rise.

The Commission has submitted an updated budget proposal to the President and remains hopeful for approval.

According to officials, the vehicle donation represents more than a symbolic gesture—it reflects a renewed commitment to decentralizing HIV services and increasing awareness and prevention efforts nationwide.

The Commission intends to invest in public education campaigns, including billboards to remind citizens that HIV remains a serious public health concern in Liberia.

“This gesture from the President shows compassion and leadership. It shows he understands the needs of the people and is willing to stand with institutions like ours to ensure no one is left behind,” Nuetah said.

The NAC is calling on both the public and private sectors to continue supporting the $250,000 fundraising goal.

The funds will expand access to HIV testing, medication, public awareness campaigns, and clinic support services.

“The President has shown us what’s possible. Now, it’s up to all of us to follow that example and support this national cause,” she added.

Nuetah reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and measurable impact. “We will ensure these vehicles serve the people they are intended to serve and that every dollar raised helps move Liberia closer to an AIDS-free generation.”

Both Nuetah and Gray issued a strong call to action to Liberians across all sectors; government entities, private companies, and philanthropic individuals to join the effort.

“There are people in our midst with the capacity to help. But we must ask, and we must act,” they urged. The National AIDS Commission plans to make the fundraising dinner an annual event to ensure steady domestic support for HIV prevention, treatment, and advocacy efforts across Liberia’s 15 counties.