(Monrovia, April 14, 2026) — The Ministry of Health (MOH) on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, joined the global community in commemorating World Health Day 2026, issuing a strong call for increased investment in science, innovation, and collaborative action to safeguard public health.
The event, held at Monrovia City Hall, was celebrated under the global theme: “Together for Health. Stand with Science.”
Delivering the keynote address, Acting Chief Medical Officer of the Republic of Liberia, Dr. Teyah S. Moore, highlighted the country’s health sector gains and reaffirmed its commitment to science-driven healthcare.
“On this World Health Day, Liberia proudly joins Africa and the world in the call: ‘Together for health. Stand with science,” Dr. Moore declared. “The longer lives and life-saving treatments we value today are the fruits of decades of scientific progress.”
Reflecting on the country’s experience during the West African Ebola epidemic, Dr. Moore emphasized the role of science and solidarity in overcoming the crisis. “When Ebola struck our nation, science and solidarity gave us hope. The rapid development and deployment of vaccines, combined with the courage of our health workers and communities, saved lives and strengthened global preparedness,” he said.
He noted that the nation continues to contribute to regional disease surveillance systems, ensuring early detection of emerging threats, including new variants of COVID-19.
Dr. Moore further highlighted key achievements in the health sector. “Expanded immunization campaigns have protected thousands of Liberian children. Antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable condition, while investments in maternal and child health have reduced deaths among mothers and newborns,” he stated.
He also underscored Liberia’s adoption of the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
“We are strengthening integrated surveillance and risk assessment platforms to protect our communities from zoonotic and environmental threats,” he added.
Calling for sustained commitment, Dr. Moore urged both national and international stakeholders to scale up investment in science.
“Liberia calls for increased domestic investment in science, research, and innovation as the foundation for health security and sustainable development,” he stressed.
He further appealed to global partners: “We urge our international partners to strengthen support for African-led science, foster equitable partnerships, and expand access to technologies and knowledge.”
In a closing remark, Dr. Moore declared: “Science must be accessible. A breakthrough that does not reach those who need it most remains unfinished work. Together, through science and solidarity, we can build a healthier, safer Liberia, a stronger Africa, and a better world for all.”
Speaking on behalf of the World Health Organization, Officer-in-Charge Dr. Sule Abdullahi delivered a message from the WHO Regional Director for Africa.
Quoting the Regional Director, Dr. Abdullahi said: “Across Africa, science is driving practical solutions that improve lives and contribute to global health. The longer lives and life-saving treatments we value today are the result of decades of scientific progress.”
He added that African scientists and institutions have played a key role in responding to major health challenges, including Ebola and COVID-19. “Through science, we are not only solving African problems but helping shape global solutions,” he noted.
Earlier, in her welcome remarks, Montserrado County Health Officer Dr. Jewel Tarpeh Kollie emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in strengthening Liberia’s health system.
“The journey toward resilient healthcare requires unity among communities, government, and international partners,” she said, adding that science remains central to achieving sustainable health outcomes.
World Health Day continues to highlight the importance of evidence-based research, scientific collaboration, and innovation in protecting human, animal, and environmental health. The global campaign also addresses key challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, and climate change, while promoting international scientific cooperation.
The event was attended by senior government officials, health professionals, and a range of local and international partners, including the World Health Organization.