MONROVIA, LIBERIA-President Joseph Boakai has declared drug and substance abuse as a public health emergency in Liberia.

Delivering his first State of the Nation Address at the Capitol on Monday, January 29, 2024, President Boakai said:” I and my Vice President, Jeremiah Koung, will take the lead by being the first to take a drug test.”

The President said:” My action is in fulfillment of my campaign promises to the Liberian people to curb drug and substance abuse.”

The Liberian Leader also announced the setting up of a Multi-Sectorial Steering Committee to lead the fight.

The Committee includes the Ministries of Health and Justice, Chair and Co-Chair, while the Ministries of Gender, Youth and Sports, Finance, and the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), are all members.

Meanwhile, President Boakai has announced the establishment of regional diagnostic centers across the Country.

He said:” The Country’s recent experiences with EBOLA and COVID-19 require the Government’s full support in treating National Public Health with utmost importance, and my Government will prioritize the availability of needed medical supplies and logistics in all public health institutions.”

President Joseph pledged to ensure a regular, efficient, and robust monitoring and evaluation regime in the Health Sector to accelerate the reduction of maternal and newborn mortality.

At the same time, the Liberian Chief Executive has highlighted the reintroduction of County Road Maintenance Stations as a key deliverable under his administration.

President Boakai said the move is aimed at making all major primary roads across the Country pliable, adding that his flagship road program will include the Freeport to Saint Paul Bridge Road, and disclosed that the Government is expected to provide funds to expand the Gabriel Tucker Bridge to four lanes.

President Joseph Boakai noted that the Liberian Government has also secured additional support from the Government of Japan for a feasibility study for the expansion of the Freeport to Saint Paul Bridge Corridor.

By: Joseph Sayon/Frederick Teegwiah, Jr.