MOH Backs National Street Children Project As Pres. Boakai Launches Major Initiative

 By Catherine K Conteh

 MONROVIA, August 29 (LINA) – In a united move to tackle the pressing issue of street children in Liberia, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has pledged its full support for the National Street Children Project, launched by President Joseph N. Boakai on August 28, 2024.

The initiative, titled: “Support A Child, Save the Future,” aims to address the plight of children living on the streets and is a key component of the Country's national efforts to safeguard its future generation.

The project, led by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, was launched at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, with the theme: “Arise Liberia, Let’s Save the Future of Our Children.”

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Assistant Minister for Preventative Services, Dr. Caullau J. Howe, underscored the ministry’s dedication to prioritizing the well-being of street children and emphasized the need for collective responsibility to provide long-term solutions that will bring these vulnerable children off the streets and into safer environments. She believed that the occasion marks a milestone that has been long overlooked.

According to her, these children, full of potential and promise, are often overshadowed by hardship and neglect, adding that the conditions the children find themselves in are not of their own making but are a result of the failure to provide opportunities for them and their destitute relatives.

Dr. Howe noted that MOH would actively collaborate with the Ministry of Gender, local communities, and other organizations to create supportive environments for street children, stating that through various health programs, the Ministry aims to ensure that these children have access to education, security, and a healthy social environment.

“The Ministry of Health pledges its support to the Ministry of Gender and all involved in this initiative. We will work to create an enabling environment for these children, where they can thrive and realize their potential. This is not just an act of compassion but a commitment to building a stronger society for us all,” she added.

Meanwhile, President Joseph N. Boakai, in his remarks, highlighted his government's commitment to removing all children from the streets and ensuring their enrollment in schools across Liberia.

He called for national ownership of the initiative, urging all stakeholders to contribute to securing a brighter future for the country’s youth.

The project, supported by a survey conducted in collaboration with UNICEF, revealed that over 366 thousand children are currently in street situations across Liberia.

The National Street Children Project marks the beginning of a five-year effort to permanently address this issue and create a safer environment for all street children in the country.

The event was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, partners, and government officials, all of whom expressed their commitment to ensuring the initiative's success.

The initiative is seen as a critical step toward ensuring that every Liberian child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment.