Table of Contents
Marking Eight Decades of the United Nations: A Nationwide Health Drive in Liberia
In honor of the United Nations’ 80th anniversary, the World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with multiple UN bodies and the Liberian government, initiated a robust health campaign. This initiative focuses on strengthening preventive healthcare, encouraging early detection of illnesses, and boosting health education across Liberia’s population.
Raising Family Planning Awareness in Six Strategic Counties
The campaign launched with a targeted family planning awareness program spanning six counties: Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Sinoe, Rivercess, Gbarpolu, and Grand Kru. Timed to align with Liberia’s observance of World Contraceptive Day from September 29 to October 4, the outreach successfully engaged over 8,320 participants. Attendees benefited from tailored counseling sessions and access to a diverse range of contraceptive methods, empowering them to make informed reproductive health decisions and reduce unintended pregnancies. The campaign also prioritized raising awareness about preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH), involving government officials and UN staff in dedicated training to cultivate safer environments.
UN@80 Mobile Clinic: Bringing Comprehensive Healthcare to Communities
The centerpiece of the anniversary celebrations was the “UN@80 Mobile Clinic” event held on October 21, 2025, at the E.J.S. Ministerial Complex. This one-day clinic offered complimentary, high-quality medical services to civil servants, UN employees, and local residents. A multidisciplinary team-including ophthalmologists, midwives, general practitioners, and lab technicians-provided a broad spectrum of health services. These encompassed screenings for hypertension, diabetes, malaria, HIV/AIDS, eye conditions, and breast cancer, alongside general health check-ups and educational talks on nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention. The clinic impressively conducted over 1,400 consultations in a single day, with more than 500 eye examinations facilitated through collaboration with the One Sight Clinic.
Restoring Sight and Hope: The Impact of Vision Care on Cindy’s Life
One notable beneficiary was 19-year-old student Cindy Weltee, who had struggled with worsening vision for two years. Despite sitting at the front of her classroom, her eyesight decline hindered her academic performance. During the mobile clinic’s eye screening, Cindy received a comprehensive eye exam and was fitted with corrective glasses. “Thanks to the UN family in Liberia, I can now see clearly again,” she expressed gratefully, underscoring the transformative power of accessible eye care services.
Closing UN Health Week with a Vibrant Community Walk
The UN Health Week culminated on October 22, 2025, with a health awareness walk from the Ministerial Complex to SKD Stadium. The event drew participation from UN and government staff, including members of the Federation of the United Nations Staff Association in Liberia (FUNSAL), the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), and the Liberia National Police. Participants carried placards highlighting critical messages about non-communicable diseases (NCDs), stressing the importance of adopting healthy habits and preventive healthcare practices.
WHO’s Enduring Dedication to Universal Health Coverage in Liberia
Reflecting on this milestone, Dr. Olushayo Olu, WHO Liberia Representative, reiterated the organization’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Liberia’s health system. “As we commemorate the UN’s 80th anniversary, WHO remains resolute in its mission to guarantee that every Liberian, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, can access essential health services without financial hardship,” Dr. Olu affirmed.
Recent health data from Liberia indicate promising progress, including a 12% rise in contraceptive prevalence and expanded HIV testing coverage. These advancements highlight the fruitful collaboration between WHO, UN agencies, and the Liberian government, collectively steering the nation toward a healthier and more equitable future.
