(Bopolu, Gbarpolu County, May 13, 2026)—The Ministry of Health on Tuesday joined nurses and healthcare stakeholders in celebrating International Nurses Day 2026 in Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County, with calls for stronger investment and empowerment of nurses across the country.
International Nurses Day is observed annually on May 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing.
Delivering the keynote remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Meeko M. Kenkpen, Technical Assistant to the Chief Medical Officer of the Republic of Liberia, said nurses are “true heroes” of the nation’s health sector whose sacrifices and resilience continue to sustain healthcare delivery across the country.
Addressing stakeholders, Kenkpen praised nurses for their unwavering commitment to saving lives under difficult conditions.
“Today is a day set aside not only to celebrate the invaluable work of nurses across Liberia but also to honor your sacrifices, your unwavering dedication, and the countless lives you have saved,” she said.
Kenkpen noted that nurses remain the backbone of the country’s healthcare system, often serving as the first point of contact for patients in communities and health facilities nationwide.
“Before a patient sees a doctor, they look to you. The nurse is their first line of care and trust,” Kenkpen emphasized. “You do more than provide healthcare; you build relationships and nurture the very foundations of our communities.”
The event brought together representatives from the National Public Health Institute of Liberia, the Liberia Board of Nursing and Midwifery, healthcare partners, civil society organizations, and nursing training institutions including Cuttington University and Maybel Malcolm Nursing Institution.
Among institutions recognized during the ceremony were Emirates Hospital, the Liberia Nursing and Midwifery Board, and several nursing training institutions contributing to the development of healthcare professionals in Liberia.
This year’s International Nurses Day was celebrated globally under the theme: “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
Kenkpen said the theme reflects the urgent need for stronger support systems, improved professional development opportunities, and greater investment in the nursing profession.
“The theme for this year could not be more timely or fitting,” she stated. “Empowering nurses means strengthening families, communities, and the entire nation’s health. It means recognizing that when nurses thrive, healthcare thrives.”
She assured nurses that the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Health, is pursuing reforms and strategies intended to improve working conditions, provide additional training opportunities, and strengthen institutional support for healthcare workers across the country.
“I want to assure all our dedicated nurses that the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Health, is actively working on reforms and strategies designed to empower you,” she said. “These efforts aim to provide you with the support, resources, training, and recognition you deserve.”
Kenkpen also applauded the resilience of nurses who continue to serve communities despite ongoing challenges within the healthcare system, noting that their dedication remains critical to improving national healthcare outcomes.
“To our nurses standing here today and across the country: We see you. We hear you. We appreciate you,” she declared. “Together, we will continue to forge a future where nurses are valued, empowered, and celebrated, because your success is our national success.”