Liberia joined the global community in commemorating World Malaria Day 2025, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and mobilizing efforts in the fight against malaria, a preventable but deadly disease transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.
The day’s observance held significant weight this year, with the official launch of the Liberia End Malaria Council, a strategic initiative aimed at eliminating malaria by 2030.
The day’s activities began with a lively parade from the Ministry of Health to the EJS Ministerial Complex, where the official indoor program took place.
The program was attended by health officials, government representatives, and members of the public, all united under the global theme for the year: “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” alongside the slogan “Zero Malaria Starts with Us.”
One of the key highlights of the event was the speech delivered by Liberia’s first female general surgeon, Albertha Clark Kollie, who is also the first woman to hold this esteemed position at the 14th Military Hospital of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).
Dr. Kollie’s powerful address focused on the ongoing challenges Liberia faces in its battle against malaria and the critical role of community and government action in eradicating the disease.
In her address, Dr. Kollie acknowledged the profound impact that malaria continues to have on the health and well-being of the Liberian population. “Malaria is not just a health issue; it is a barrier to our development and prosperity as a nation,” she stated. “It leads to a significant loss of productivity and places immense pressure on our already fragile health systems.”
Dr. Kollie stressed the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in the fight against malaria. “Poverty, underdevelopment, and even corruption contribute to the persistence of malaria in our country,” she pointed out. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that we invest the necessary resources, both financial and human, into eradicating malaria once and for all. The launch of the Liberia End Malaria Council is a testament to the government’s commitment, but it is up to all of us to make this vision a reality.”
She also emphasized the need for education and community engagement in the fight against malaria. “People need to understand the importance of sleeping under mosquito nets, using repellents, and taking preventive measures, especially during the rainy season when malaria transmission is at its peak,” she added. “Awareness is key, and as health professionals, it is our duty to reach every corner of Liberia with the message that malaria is preventable, treatable, and, most importantly, beatable.”
The formation of the Liberia End Malaria Council was a landmark moment in Liberia’s continued efforts to combat malaria. The new council is tasked with coordinating the country’s malaria eradication efforts, focusing on ensuring that malaria elimination is prioritized in national policies and that resources are efficiently allocated to areas most in need. Dr. Kollie praised the creation of the council, describing it as a critical step towards achieving a malaria-free Liberia.
“Today, as we launch the Liberia End Malaria Council, we take another crucial step towards making malaria history in Liberia,” Dr. Kollie said. “The council’s role will be to ensure that we reinvest in malaria control measures, reimagine our strategies for prevention and treatment, and reignite the drive for a malaria-free Liberia.”
She further encouraged her fellow healthcare workers to remain steadfast in their commitment to eliminating the disease. “Our frontline health workers are the unsung heroes in this fight. They are the ones who ensure that the most vulnerable populations, especially children and pregnant women, are protected from malaria,” Dr. Kollie added. “It is time for us to support them with the necessary tools, resources, and training to enhance their work.”
Dr. Kollie also addressed the broader societal impact of malaria, calling on the government and international partners to increase funding for malaria programs. “Our government must prioritize malaria in its health budget, and international partners should continue to stand with us in providing the financial and technical support we need to reach our goal of eliminating malaria by 2030,” she urged.
The First Female General Surgeon’s remarks were not only a call to action but also an expression of hope. “We have the tools, the knowledge, and the commitment to end malaria in Liberia,” she said. “Together, with a reinvigorated focus on prevention, treatment, and education, we can ensure that the next generation of Liberians will grow up in a malaria-free environment.”
The theme for this year’s World Malaria Day celebration, “Malaria Ends With Us,” reflects the global call to action to end malaria by 2030. Dr. Kollie concluded her speech by reaffirming Liberia’s dedication to this goal, urging all citizens to take collective responsibility in the fight against malaria.
“Malaria will end with us, but only if we make the commitment to act—individually and collectively,” she said. “Let’s reinvest in malaria control, reimagine new approaches, and reignite the passion for a healthier, malaria-free Liberia. The time for action is now.”
