“Too Many Liberians Seek Care Only When The Disease Has Reached Advanced Stages”
Photo courtesy: Executive Mansion
Executive Mansion Press Release
President Boakai Urges National Action on Cancer, Calls for Transparent Screening Costs at Liberia Cancer Society Gala
May 14, 2026
MONROVIA, Liberia: – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has termed cancer a growing national concern and urged government, civil society, and citizens to treat the fight against the disease as a shared responsibility, not just a medical issue.
Speaking on behalf of the President at the Liberia Cancer Society Benefit Gala Dinner on May 14, 2026,
Dr. Augustine Konneh, Senior Advisor to President Boakai, noted that the evening’s theme, “Men Leading the Fight, Early Detection Saves Lives, Together We Can Make a Difference,” reflected a critical national responsibility.
He commended the Liberia Cancer Society for its work in raising awareness, supporting patients and families, and mobilizing resources to tackle one of Liberia’s most serious public health challenges. The event took place at the Mamba Point Hotel in Monrovia.
The President pointed to the immense pressure that prostate cancer among men and liver cancer among both men and women is placing on Liberia’s health system, communities, and economy.
He observed that too many Liberians seek care only when the disease has reached advanced stages due to limited screening services, low awareness, fear, stigma, and financial constraints.
The Liberian leader described the challenges as development issues affecting productivity, household income, national resilience, and overall well-being, not merely medical problems. He reiterated Government’s commitment through the Ministry of Health’s National Cancer Policy and the broader Non-Communicable Disease Strategic Framework, developed with support from the World Health Organization, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Partners in Health, Mount Sinai Hospital, and civil society organizations.
While praising the gala’s fundraising initiative, the President stressed the need for transparency and accountability. He requested that the Liberia Cancer Society should provide detailed information on the estimated cost of prostate and liver cancer screening per individual, including the specific tests covered, average cost per patient, number of people to be screened, target counties, and follow-up mechanisms for patients needing further care. “Providing these details will strengthen public confidence, accountability, and support for this worthy initiative,” Dr. Konneh quoted President Boakai.
In closing, President Boakai encouraged all Liberians to act with compassion and solidarity, stating that no family should suffer alone, no patient should feel abandoned, and no citizen should die simply because help came too late.
He emphasized that building a healthier Liberia requires prevention, early diagnosis, quality care, and human dignity to remain central to the national development agenda under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.