President George Manneh Weah has issued a Proclamation declaring Thursday, March 24, 2018 as “World TB Day” and is to be observed throughout the Republic as a Working Holiday.

The Proclamation calls on the Ministry of Health and other Government agencies as well as national and international organizations concerned to initiate and execute appropriate programs befitting the occasion.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, Liberia will join other nations across the world to celebrate this event so as to highlight the threats TB poses to the human race as well as to enlighten the world on the global initiatives and innovative actions undertaken to stop the spread of TB, thereby reducing the death rates in Liberia, Africa and the entire world.

The Proclamation stated that Liberia is fully cognizant of the harmful effects and burdens Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose to the global community, particularly in Africa and other developing countries.

The Proclamation says the National Leprosy and TB Control Program under the Ministry of Health has made significant achievements in the fight against TB throughout the length and breadth of the country.

The release further added that in an effort to protect the health and welfare of its citizens and foreign residents within its borders, the Liberian Government will join global health partners in celebrating this year’s event under the global theme: “Wanted: Leaders for a TB-Free World” with the slogan, “You Can Make History, End TB”, While the Day will be observed under the national theme: “Leaders Make History. End TB”.

The Proclamation states that the theme will focus on building commitments to end TB, not only by political leaders but stakeholders including government officials, traditional and religious leaders; the civil society, health workers and partners as well as community leaders and people affected with TB.

The National Leprosy and TB Control program under the Ministry of Health has made significant achievement in the fight against TB throughout the length and breadth of Liberia, the Proclamation noted.