Pres. Boakai Highlights Gains in Health, Women’s Empowerment at 3rd SONA

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: President Joseph Boakai has reported significant progress in Liberia’s Health sector and women-focused interventions, citing measurable improvements in maternal health, healthcare delivery, social protection, and women’s economic empowerment during his Third State of the National Address (SONA), delivered to members of the national Legislature.

Addressing lawmakers at the grounds of the Capitol Building on Monday, January 26, 2026, President Boakai announced a nationwide reduction in maternal deaths; describing it as a key outcome of targeted investments in health infrastructure, workforce training, and service delivery.

He emphasized that immunization coverage for children under one year reached 88 percent, while medicine stockouts dropped sharply from 95 percent to 5 percent, signaling improved availability of essential drugs across public health facilities.

“Maternal deaths dropped nationwide, immunization coverage for children under one reached 88 percent, and medicine stockouts declined from 95 percent to 5 percent,” the President said.

The Liberian Leader highlighted ongoing investments in healthcare infrastructure, including the reconstruction of the C.H. Rennie Hospital in Margibi County, now relocated to Kakata, and expanded to include a midwifery training school.

He further reported that the construction of a Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Bensonville has reached 75 percent completion, while the Regional Diagnostics Center in Bong County stands at 85 percent completion.

According to him, the government strive to establish a National Health Intelligence Center, which has improved disease surveillance and response.

“Reconstruction work on the C.H. Rennie facility is underway at the new Kakata location, where it will now include a midwifery school,” President Boakai told the nation.

Meanwhile, the Liberian Chief Executive in his address outlined Women’s empowerment, placing emphasis on the Liberia Women Empowerment Project which has already supported 3,300 women with income assistance. He said the project will be expanded to reach over 32,000 women across several counties.

He stated that under the REALISE Project, more than 15,000 poor households, many headed by women, received cash transfers totaling over one billion Liberian dollars, alongside livelihood support and skills training.

“The Liberia Women Empowerment Project reached 3,300 women with income support and is expanding to benefit over 32,000 more women across several counties,” he said. 

President Boakai used the occasion to reaffirm his government committee to promoting public health, gender equity, and social protection of women.

He said continued investments in women's empowerment and healthcare are essential to improving livelihoods and securing Liberia’s long-term development.