WHO joins the UN in celebrating 80 years of progress and partnerships with a major health campaign in Liberia

To mark the United Nations' 80th anniversary, WHO, in partnership with other UN agencies and the Government of Liberia, launched a health campaign to deliver crucial preventive care, early detection services, and essential health awareness to people across the country.

The initiative kicked off with a major contraceptive awareness outreach that spanned six counties: Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Sinoe, Rivercess, Gbarpolu, and Grand Kru. Complementing World Contraceptive Day, commemorated from 29 September to 4 October in Liberia, WHO, in collaboration with other UN agencies and the Government of Liberia, reached over 8320 beneficiaries, providing counselling and access to a full range of family planning services, effectively expanding choices, and reducing unplanned pregnancies. The campaign also raised awareness and sensitized government counterparts and UN Personnel on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment (PRSEAH).

The celebration culminated in the "UN@80 Mobile Clinic" on October 21, 2025, held at the E.J.S. Ministerial Complex. This one-day event became a hub of integrated, free, high-quality healthcare services for civil servants, UN staff, and community members. Participants were able to access a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including ophthalmologists, midwives, doctors, and lab technicians. The team delivered a wide array of services, including essential screening for blood pressure, blood sugar, malaria testing, HIV/AIDS testing, eye screenings, and breast cancer examinations, alongside general medical check-ups and health talks on nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention. The mobile clinic provided over 1400 consultations in one single day, including over 500 eye screenings in collaboration with the One Sight Clinic.

Cindy Weltee, a 19-year-old student who attended the mobile clinic, began struggling to see clearly in class two years ago. Her teacher moved her to the front of the classroom, but even then, her sight continued to worsen. During her screening, she received a comprehensive eye examination and was provided with corrective lenses after getting her diagnosis. "I can see again clearly, thanks to the UN family in Liberia," she said.

To conclude the UN Health Week, a health walk was also organized from the Ministerial Complex to SKD Stadium on 22 October, attracting UN and government staff, including personnel from Federation of the United Nations Staff Association in Liberia (FUNSAL), the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), and the Liberia National Police. Participants carried handboards displaying key messages on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to raise awareness about healthy lifestyles and preventive measures.

"On this occasion of the UN's 80th anniversary, WHO reaffirms its commitment to supporting the government and the people of Liberia in ensuring that every Liberian, regardless of location or circumstance, has access to health care without financial hardship," said WHO Liberia Representative, Dr Olushayo Olu.