By Jerromie S. Walters
Ahead of World Health Day comes April 7, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO)-Liberia on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, donated wheelchairs and canes to persons with disabilities in Liberia
Dubbed, “Mobility Equipment Donation”, the World Health Organization (WHO) donated 16 wheelchairs and 40 canes to persons with disabilities at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Sinkor, Liberia.
At the occasion, Dr. Peter Clement, the WHO-Liberia Country Representative, expressed empathy and solidarity with the disabled community, and emphasized the organization’s dedication to enhancing the well-being of persons with disabilities.
Ahead of World Health Day, Dr. Clement reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to quality healthcare and reassured them of WHO’s continued support in this regard.
Dr. Clement highlighted the integral role that persons with disabilities play in society, stressing that they are valued members who make meaningful contributions.
The WHO Country Representative in Liberia reminded them that regardless of life’s unfortunate experiences, they are an intrinsic part of society. “You are part of the society and have meaningful contributions.”
He assured the disabled community that WHO consistently considers their needs and advocates for their inclusion in all its endeavors. “We can not leave you behind,” he assures them.
Like Dr. Clement, Mrs. Dama Yekeson Koffa, the General Administrator of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, emphasized the institution’s unwavering commitment to enhancing accessibility for persons with disabilities.
She emphasized that disability concerns should be collectively addressed by society, emphasizing. It’s everybody’s business. Those who think it’s not their business it’s unfortunate for you.”
Mrs. Koffa praised the resilience and dedication of individuals with disabilities employed at the hospital, highlighting that disability does not diminish a person’s worth or capabilities. She concluded by affirming the hospital’s continued support and participation in initiatives aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, emphasizing
Mrs. Koffa: “Whatever we can do to be a part of this process to better your life we will be a part of it.” Madam Koffa praised the commitment of persons with disabilities who are working at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital. “Just because you are disabled, it doesn’t mean you should be less than.”
From her end, Ms. Joyce Kepeh, the proxy speaker of the Second Lady of the Republic of Liberia, Mrs. Shepenie Koung said ensuring human dignity, equality, diversity, and inclusion is a fundamental right for individuals living with a disability.
However, she says this remains a challenge. “As we age, we become potential candidates for disabilities, and it is reported that up to 50% of the world’s population experiences some form of disability without intervention.”
She noted that there’s a need to stimulate advocacy to design and implement appropriate interventions that address the needs of all people with disabilities in Liberia and empower them to realize their full potential. “This advocacy is crucial for diversity, equity, and inclusion to ensure that no one is left behind.” She added: “I am pleased to acknowledge the Government of Liberia’s efforts, along with valued partners and stakeholders, to advance the agenda for universal health coverage.”
According to her, this includes equitable access to health services, assistive technology, and rehabilitation to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. “The assistive technology and rehabilitation intervention has been strengthened in Liberia since 2021.”
To further scale up assistive technology programs in Liberia, Joyce said the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, including devices for mobility and vision with products for hearing, self-care, cognition, and communication, should be integrated. “The Government of Liberia will continue to work with relevant partners to achieve this goal,” she assured.
“Let us recommit ourselves to advocating for appropriate interventions to empower people with disabilities to contribute to the development of our country. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every one of you for your dedication and tireless efforts in advancing our nation’s health agenda. I wish you all a successful commemoration of the War, Health Day, and made-up lessons with us!” she emphasized.
Delivering a special statement from the Second Lady, Joyce noted, “During the World Health Day celebrations, the Executive Director of the Group of 77 and the Second Lady highlighted the importance of unity and diversity, and the need to promote inclusivity, especially for the most vulnerable in society, such as people with disabilities.”
In her opinion, the challenges faced by people with disabilities, such as limited access to healthcare and information, were also addressed, with a pledge to work alongside WHO, partners, the Government of Liberia, and healthcare organizations to ensure equitable access to healthcare and information.
Mrs. Kong: “As a society, it is crucial that we treat people with disabilities with kindness, respect, dignity, and love, and ensure their well-being, thereby enabling our society to thrive in adversity.”
At the same time, the Executive Director designate of the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD), Samuel Dean rallied the administration of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, “We shouldn’t talk about policy, but implementation shouldn’t be elusive because that has been the case; we have a lot of policies in the world. Disability policy was rated by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare then. I think UNICEF sponsored approval of almost $1,000,000. That money could have gone to improve social welfare; it’s a policy that says it in there.”
Dean also encouraged the JFK Boss to consider it necessary to provide free health care for all persons with disabilities. It is essential because we size our experiments. I told you again my lira to it.
Ahead of the formal celebration on April 7, 2024, several Heslth related initiatives have been undertaken by the World Health Organization (WHO). Also, on 3rd April-Blood Drive: a one-day blood drive would be held at the Ministry of Health. Authorities of the WHO say the blood program endeavors to symbolize the need for blood sufficiency across Liberia.
On the 4th of April, 2024, a Panel Discussion will be held. It is exalted to be a dialogue with healthcare workers, traditional practitioners, players in gender and internal affairs, and the media on the negative health impacts of FGM.
On April7, 2024, Liberia will join the world on for the official Commemoration of World Health Day- Commencing with a Health Walk from the Ministry of Health to the Ministerial complex, followed by an indoor program graced by high-level government officials, UN representatives, Health Partners, students, UN Staff, the media, and the general public.
WHO-Liberia says World Health Day (WHD) on April 7th this year serves as the conclusion to this significant milestone. Under the theme “My Health, My Right,” WHD aims to highlight health as a fundamental human right amidst increasing threats globally and in Africa. Liberia, a nation grappling with numerous health challenges, resonates profoundly with this theme.
World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on 7 April, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as other related organizations.
It seeks to: Raise awareness about the importance of health and fundamental human rights. It is also intended to advocate for equitable access to quality healthcare services for all Liberians,including vulnerable populations such as persons living with disabilities.
