…Assures Improved Sanitation

(November 20, 2024) The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to eliminating open defecation and assured improvement of sanitary condition across the country. The Commitment was made on Tuesday, November 20, 2024 during the official commemoration of World Toilet Day at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town. This was echoed in Malayah Tamba Chieyoe, Deputy Minister for Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Health, remarks at the event. “The consequences of inadequate sanitation extend far beyond mere inconvenience; they affect every aspect of our society – from public health to education, from economic development to environmental sustainability. When children miss school due to waterborne illnesses, when women and girls face safety risks due to lack of private facilities, when our water sources become contaminated – we all pay the price. However, today is not just about highlighting challenges. It’s about showcasing solutions and progress,” Chieyoe Noted He said the government of H.E.  President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of universal access to adequate and equitable sanitation by 2030. Chieyoe: “This commitment involves not just building infrastructure, but also changing mindsets and behaviors. We’re investing in public education, training local sanitation entrepreneurs, and developing innovative financing mechanisms to make toilet construction and maintenance affordable for all; to accelerate our progress, we need action on multiple fronts.”

Delivering the key note address on behalf of H.E. Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, First Lady of Liberia, Hon. Mohammed Ali, Managing Director of Liberia Water and Sewer Cooperation called on all stakeholders, government line ministries and agencies as well as development partners to intensify their efforts in promoting sustainable hygienic practices to ensure that sanitation solutions prioritize the needs of women and girls. ” On behalf of the First Lady, I call on all stakeholders—government ministries and development partners such as USAID, the World Bank, UNICEF, WaterAid, and Countrywide Sanitation Activity—to intensify their efforts. Let us promote sustainable practices, build resilient infrastructure, and ensure that sanitation solutions prioritize the needs of our women and girls. Education must also be at the forefront of this effort. We need to raise awareness about the critical importance of sanitation, both in urban centers and in our rural communities. By sharing the real-life stories of those affected, we can drive home the urgency of this issue and inspire collective action,” Ali said. World Toilet Day (WTD) is a campaign to motivate and mobilize millions around the world on issues of sanitation. Originally established by the World Toilet Organization, this Day draws attention to global sanitation issues. Since 2001, World Toilet Day has grown in scope and recognition by global partners. The day was previously marked by international and civil society organizations all over the world and is now coordinated by UN-Water in collaboration with Governments and relevant participants. This year’s global theme is “Toilet- A Place for Peace” focuses is on the fact that, for billions of people, sanitation is under threat from conflict, climate change, disasters and neglect. Liberia has adopted the theme, “Every Toilet Counts”, meaning every toilet is an opportunity for someone in Liberia to have access to safe sanitation and reduce the rate of ODF.