-First Lady Boakai calls for establishment of a National Health Insurance Scheme, as Liberia celebrates WHD
By Jerromie S. Walters
Liberia’s First Lady, Kartumu Boakai, has recommended the need for the establishment of a National Health Insurance Scheme to ensure that no one is left behind in healthcare delivery, as she expressed her commitment to empowering women and girls in crucial areas.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, Liberia formally observed World Health Day, which primarily endeavors to raise awareness about pressing health issues, promote healthy lifestyles, and advocate for universal access to quality healthcare. Globally, World Health Day is observed on April 7th. However, Liberia’s observance of the day needed to be held on Monday, considering that the 7th was on Sunday.
At a full house on Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Liberia’s First Lady Kartumu Boakai was among those, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Ministry of Health (MOH), partners, and students who officially venerated this year’s World Health Day, under the “My Health, My Right.”
As she graciously embraced her role as Chair to champion maternal and newborn health, Liberia’s First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai urged communities, men, and allies to work together to remove barriers that hinder life-saving care, and highlighted the impact on children and mothers in Liberia and the world.
“I call for an unyielding commitment to universal health coverage and the establishment of a National Health Insurance Scheme, ensuring that no one is left behind. Let us engage our communities, our men and allies, to dismantle the barriers that delay life-saving care. When a child in Liberia suffers, it is a whisper of conscience to the world. When we heal a mother, we do not just save a life; we uplift humanity,” she recommended.
The Liberian First Lady also expressed confidence in Liberia’s ability to fulfill its promise of health and well-being for all. As a guardian, she encouraged everyone to be driven by hope determination, and triumph that illuminates the path towards a healthier future and announced the upcoming launch of the Women’s Coalition for Reproductive Health and Rights, known as the Liberia Women Coalition for ICPD@30, which will focus on maternal health and access to modern family planning methods.
Mrs. Boakai: “I am committed to the cause of empowering women and girls in this significant area. Therefore, I am excited to announce the upcoming launch of the Women’s Coalition for Reproductive Health and Rights, known as the Liberia Women Coalition for ICPD@30. This coalition will focus on various aspects, including maternal health and ensuring access to modern family planning methods. As a Champion, I am dedicated to promoting these crucial issues and driving positive change. I am deeply appreciative of the UNFPA, who have graciously extended their consistent support to this coalition. It fills me with great anticipation to collaborate with them and our UN counterparts.”
The First Lady expressed her dedication to driving positive change and promoting the goals of the coalition. She extended her gratitude to the UNFPA for their consistent support and looked forward to collaborating with them and other UN counterparts.
Addressing Maternal and neonatal mortality
As the Chief Maternal Newborn Health Champion in Liberia. Mrs. Kartumu Boakai Liberia to join her in curbing the preventable tragedies that affect mothers and infants.
“As the First Lady of the Republic of Liberia, I accept with solemn duty and fervent passion my role as the Chief Maternal Newborn Health Champion. I implore each one of you, within the sound of my voice and beyond, to join us as we embark on a crusade against the preventable tragedies that befall our mothers and infants.”
Mrs. Boakai referenced the staggering statistics of 742 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and 37 newborn deaths per 1,000 births. In her opinion, behind these numbers are real lives and heartbreaking stories of loss that echo through communities. “We are all aware that the shadow of maternal and neonatal mortality looms large in our country, with our mothers perishing at a staggering rate of 742 per 100,000 live births and our newborns at 37 per 1,000. These are not mere numbers; they are echoes of the anguish that alarmed through our communities with the loss of every mother, sister, and child——Every number having a name, every data a heartbeat,” she said.
Mrs. Boakai: “Just imagine the heartbreak of a father at the JFK Hospital who held his newborn for mere moments before the child was swept away by the cruel tide of mortality. Or perhaps hearing the voice in the glow of dawn, a mother whispers prayers for the life of her unborn child, a battle against the darkness of uncertainty. Such a painful reality should never be an experience in our modern society. We need to unite as a global village to bring an end to maternal and neonatal mortality.”
Taking decisive action
As Liberia joined the observance of World Health Day, the First Lady stressed the need for decisive action to protect the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents in the country. She urged Liberians to embrace the Sustainable Development Goals to ensure safe pregnancies and thriving children in Liberia. She painted a vision of a united Liberia where every individual has access to quality healthcare and the opportunity to flourish.
She said, “Our theme, “My Health, My Right,” invites us to rise to the challenge. Let us take bold and decisive steps, utilizing the Sustainable Development Goals as our compass, to safeguard the lives of our women, children, and adolescents. A united Liberia, where every pregnancy is safe and every child flourishes, is within our reach.”
The Liberian First Lady highlighted the importance of leading by example and empowering others to lead. She pledged to add her voice to those advocating for healthcare, promoting policies that support strong health systems, elevate the voices of women and girls, and mobilize the resources needed to realize a shared vision of a healthier Liberia.
Globally, World Health Day is observed on April 7th. However, Liberia’s observance of the day needed to be held on Monday, considering that the 7th was on Sunday.
