First Lady Kartumu Boakai is leading the charge to prevent maternal and neonatal mortality in Liberia, emphasizing the importance of healthcare equality as a global crusade that requires collective strength, wisdom, and empathy. With a staggering rate of 742 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and 37 newborn deaths per 1,000, the shadow of maternal and neonatal mortality looms large in Liberia.
As the Chief Maternal Newborn Health Champion, Madam Boakai is calling for bold and decisive steps to utilize the Sustainable Development Goals as a compass to safeguard the lives of women, children, and adolescents. She is advocating for universal health coverage and the establishment of a National Health Insurance Scheme to ensure that no one is left behind.
In a powerful speech at the World Health Day celebration, Madam Boakai urged the global community to unite in the fight against maternal and neonatal mortality, declaring, “Not one more mother, not one more child, will we lose on our watch.” She emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships and the full dedication of the Liberian Government to fulfill the promise of health and well-being for all.
The First Lady’s message is one of hope, resilience, and the triumph of human courage in the face of adversity. Let us join her in weaving a new story of global health, where every mother and child has the right to quality healthcare and a chance at a healthy life.
