Africa-Press – Liberia. President Boakai says over 34,000 Liberians living with HIV AIDS in the country deserve a government and a nation that will not leave them behind, as he contributes US$50,000 to the National AIDS Commission’s 2025 Annual Fundraising Dinner here.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has given US$50,000 and two brand new pickups to the National AIDS Commission’s 2025 Annual Fundraising Dinner, signaling a renewed push for domestic resource mobilization in Liberia’s fight against HIV and AIDS.
The President announced the intervention at the official launch of the fundraising drive held over the weekend at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, jumpstarting the Commission’s ambitious goal to raise US$250,000 to sustain and strengthen the country’s HIV response amid shrinking donor support.
“This is not just a donation, it is a statement of commitment to our people; over 34,000 of our citizens are living with HIV. They deserve a government and a nation that will not leave them behind because donors have scaled down”, President Boakai said.
The National AIDS Commission’s 2025 fundraising campaign is themed: “Sustaining the National HIV Response through Domestic Resource Mobilization.” The event brought together top government officials, including lawmakers, international development partners, civil society actors, and private sector representatives.
Also speaking, Dr. Cecelia J. Nuta, Chairperson of the Commission, said the time has come for Liberians to take ownership of the national HIV response. She emphasized the role of the Commission in ensuring policy direction, coordination, and oversight but stressed that these responsibilities require sustainable funding.
“We cannot rely on external aid forever. This effort is a step toward building national ownership of the HIV response. The support of our own people is essential to saving lives”, Madam Nuta stressed.
For her part, the Commissioner for Partnership and Resource Mobilization at the AIDS Commission, Tracy Newon Pency-Kyne, explained the targeted amount of US$250,000 would be used to support programs focused on prevention, stigma reduction, community education, and treatment services.
“Liberia’s response cannot be donor-driven forever. We must begin to build resilience from within. Tonight, we begin that journey”.
The fundraising dinner featured symbolic “Chair Purchases,” in which attendees pledged financial support by buying a seat at the event—a creative approach to mobilizing individual and institutional donations.
In recent years, Liberia has made progress in reducing HIV prevalence and increasing access to treatment. However, officials warned that these gains could be reversed if national efforts are not financially sustained. The country continues to battle widespread stigma, limited testing, and low public awareness.
The Commission noted that President Boakai’s support serves as a catalyst to attract additional commitments from government institutions, business community, and the diaspora.
Established in 2010, the National AIDS Commission of Liberia coordinates the national HIV response and leads advocacy, partnership engagement, and resource mobilization.
“As we look ahead to 2025, our focus is clear: no one left behind, no one forgotten, we are building a Liberia where every life matters; where the response to HIV is Liberian-owned, Liberian-led, and Liberian-sustained.”
The fundraising campaign is expected to continue throughout the year, with outreach planned to mobilize resources from both local and international partners.
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