Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-04-09 00:32:00
The First Lady of Liberia, Madam Kartumu Y. Boakai, is leading a campaign to address the alarming rates of maternal and neonatal mortality in the country. Her efforts are focused on rallying the international community to come together and put an end to these preventable tragedies that affect mothers and infants in Liberia and around the world.
In a special address delivered on World Health Day, Madam Boakai emphasized the need for global solidarity in the fight for healthcare equality. She highlighted the devastating statistics that show 742 mothers perishing for every 100,000 live births in Liberia, along with 37 newborns out of every 1,000 births. These numbers are not just statistics, but represent real lives lost and families devastated by the loss of loved ones.
The First Lady painted a poignant picture of the heartbreaking moments experienced by families in Liberia, from fathers losing newborns moments after their birth to mothers praying for the health of their unborn children. She stressed that these tragedies should not be accepted as a part of modern society and called for a united effort to eliminate maternal and neonatal mortality.
Madam Boakai highlighted the loss of over 1.5 million young people in 2021 alone, expressing regret that their potential and dreams were cut short. She urged the audience to be the generation that defies the odds and declares that no more mothers or children will be lost under their watch.
Referring to the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the First Lady underscored the importance of addressing healthcare inequality as a matter of justice and humanity. She reaffirmed her commitment to empowering women and girls in the realm of reproductive health and announced the launch of the Liberia Women Coalition for ICPD@30, focusing on maternal health and family planning.
Madam Boakai expressed her gratitude to the UNFPA for their support and emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships and government dedication in achieving health and well-being for all in Liberia. She called on everyone to join her in the mission to ensure every mother and child not only survive but thrive in a future where health prevails.
As the First Lady of Liberia, Madam Kartumu Y. Boakai’s campaign against maternal and neonatal mortality is a powerful call to action for the international community. Her words resonate with a sense of urgency, compassion, and solidarity, urging everyone to come together and make a difference in the lives of mothers and infants not only in Liberia but across the globe.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
