(Monrovia, Liberia, November 20, 2025) — The Ministry of Health on Thursday joined government ministries, agencies, and national and international development partners at the Monrovia City Hall to commemorate World Children’s Day, highlighting both progress and challenges in advancing children’s rights and wellbeing. This year’s celebration was held under the global theme “My Day, My Right” and the national slogan “Living with Dignity, Every Moment, Every Right.”
Representing the Ministry of Health, Gertrude Y. Makor, the Ministry’s Newborn Coordinator, presented a detailed update outlining tangible gains, especially for children living with disabilities and those receiving neonatal care.
Makor reported that the Ministry has expanded access to assistive technologies, distributing crutches, wheelchairs, white canes, and hearing aids to children with physical, visual, and hearing impairments. “These devices restore confidence, independence, and dignity to children who too often face exclusion,” she said. “Every child deserves the tools they need to thrive.”
She noted that medical supplies have been dispatched to clinics across the country that serve children with disabilities, allowing those facilities to respond more effectively to the needs of vulnerable groups.
Makor emphasized that the Ministry of Health is deepening its collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to craft policies that address the full scope of child health. “Our policy direction centers on ensuring that no child is left behind, whether because of disability, poverty, or limited access,” she said.
These partnerships, she added, are vital to strengthening national protection systems, improving referral pathways, and aligning Liberia’s child health strategies with international conventions on the rights of children.
Makor also highlighted ongoing programs promoting exclusive breastfeeding, training health workers, and expanding nutrition programs aimed at reducing malnutrition, stunting, and preventable childhood diseases. “Nutrition is foundational to a child’s physical and cognitive development,” she said. “We are committed to doing even more in the years ahead.”
In closing, Makor expressed gratitude to development partners, including UNICEF, WHO, UNFPA, Last Mile Health, and ECOWAS, for their continued investment in child health programs. “Our progress is not ours alone,” she said. “We remain deeply grateful to all partners walking alongside us to protect and uplift Liberia’s children.”
However, the event was capped by the reading of a presidential proclamation by Martoe G. Gayne, a student at Christ the King Catholic School, reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to the protection and dignity of every child.
Deputy Gender Minister Fredrick S. Cooper urged government institutions, communities, and families to honor their commitments to children not only on commemorative days but in daily practice.
UNICEF Country Representative Andrew Brooks reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to partnering with the government of Liberia to strengthen community health systems and ensure every child’s access to quality healthcare, clean water, and a safe environment.
“Our work is far from finished,” Brooks said. “But together, we can make Liberia a country where every child lives healthy, safe, and free from want.”
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the wellbeing of all children, ensuring their right to quality healthcare, no matter where they live.