First Lady Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai reveals here that Liberia is losing US$17.5 million annually to poor sanitation.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah (contributor)
Monrovia, Liberia, November 20, 2024—First Lady Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai reveals here that Liberia loses US$17.5 million annually to poor sanitation. The lack of access to adequate sanitation is more than an inconvenience. It is a crisis that undermines health, equality, and development.
Over 35% of Liberia’s population still practices open defecation due to insufficient access to proper toilet facilities.
First Lady Mrs Boakai spoke Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at World Toilet Day commemoration. The Liberia National WASH Commission organized the program in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, held at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.
Madam Boakai notes that this practice contributes to spread of fecal-oral and water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea – diseases, she laments, that disproportionately affect women, children, and the elderly.
The human cost is immense. These preventable illnesses drive up maternal and child mortality rates, rob children of their futures, and place undue financial burdens on families and the healthcare system.
“The economic cost is equally staggering, with an estimated $17.5 million lost annually due to poor sanitation”, the First Lady further laments, but adds, “We can tackle this issue effectively, these funds could be redirected to development and education.”
Delivering the First Lady’s speech on her behalf, the Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), Mo Ali, says Madam Boakai could not have chosen anyone better to speak on her behalf than Mo Ali because the day is not just about sanitation facilities; it is a moment for reflection, advocacy, and collective action on an issue that impacts millions of Liberians’ dignity, health, and well-being.
“As the Champion of Maternal and Newborn Health, our First Lady has passionately advocated for the health and dignity of mothers and children. She reminds us that no mother should fear for her child’s life because of a lack of safe sanitation, and no woman should face indignity or danger in accessing a basic facility. For women, particularly during pregnancy and menstruation, inadequate sanitation increases vulnerability to infections and complications that could otherwise be prevented”, he says.
Mr. Ali continues that these realities are unacceptable in a world where solutions are within reach, adding that sanitation is not just a matter of infrastructure but also of justice, equality, and human dignity.
Touching on the government’s ARREST Agenda and National Commitment, he says the Government of Liberia is prioritizing sanitation through the ARREST Agenda, which focuses on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. “Sanitation is central to this framework because we understand that development cannot occur without safe water and sanitation systems.”
He says two key initiatives – the Roadmap to End Open Defecation and the Presidential WASH Compact 2030- are cornerstones of this commitment.
“These are not just policy documents; they are actionable plans that will be implemented with urgency to ensure universal sanitation access by 2030”, the LWSC boss says and notes that under the leadership of President Joseph Boakai and in partnership with the WASH Commission, government is taking bold steps to address the crisis head-on.
He outlines stakeholders’ initiatives on behalf of the First Lady and calls on all stakeholders—government ministries and development partners, including USAID, 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.”
Ali suggests that education must also be at the forefront of this effort and stresses a need to raise awareness about the critical importance of sanitation, both in urban centers and in rural communities, saying that by sharing the real-life stories of those affected, Liberians can drive home the urgency of this issue and inspire collective action.
He envisages a Liberia where every home, school, and community has access to clean and safe toilets, Liberia where no child dies from preventable illnesses linked to poor sanitation, a Liberia where every woman can access a toilet with dignity and security, and where no one is left behind. “This is not just a dream—it is a future that we can create together.”
“To achieve this vision,” Ali underscores, “We must be relentless in our actions. We must Commit resources and increase funding for sanitation infrastructure and hygiene programs.”
He sends out a call to action, and he further urges everyone to reflect and act while
reaffirming the First Lady’s and the Government of Liberia’s commitments to the cause of making sanitation a priority for every Liberian. Editing by Jonathan Browne
