09/24/2026
LIBERIA DECLARES LAST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH NATIONAL EXERCISE AND WELLNESS DAY.
By: OSUMAN A.SAMBOLLAH
MONROVIA, LIBERIA — The Government of Liberia has declared the last Saturday of every month as National Exercise and Wellness Day, in a bid to promote physical activity, preventive healthcare, and healthier lifestyles across the country.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing Thursday September 24, 2026 a proclamation was delivered by the Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs.
According to Minister Sando, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. declared the observance from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., beginning in September 2026 and continuing through September 2027.
Hon Sando said, the initiative is being introduced amid growing concerns over the burden of non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases.
He said, the proclamation cited findings from the 2022 STEPS Survey, conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, which reported that 23.8 percent of adults aged 18 to 69 had elevated blood pressure, while 39.3 percent were overweight and 19.9 percent were obese.
The President said regular physical activity and preventive health practices can contribute to healthier lifestyles and help reduce the risks associated with non-communicable diseases.
Under the initiative, individuals, families, schools, communities, workplaces, public institutions, and private organizations are encouraged to participate in safe wellness activities, including walking, jogging, cycling, stretching, community sports, health education, and health screenings.
The Ministry of Health has been directed to lead and coordinate the national observance in collaboration with relevant government ministries and agencies, county and local authorities, health institutions, civil society organizations, the private sector, sports institutions, and development partners.
The proclamation further emphasizes that activities must be conducted by qualified personnel and in accordance with professional health and legal standards to protect participants, including women, men, young people, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
The government is also encouraging residents to incorporate safe physical activity and preventive health practices into their daily lives beyond the designated monthly observance.
However, the proclamation makes clear that National Exercise and Wellness Day is not a public holiday and does not require the closure of government offices, private businesses, schools, or other institutions, except where otherwise provided by law.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen preventive healthcare and promote a culture of health and wellness throughout Liberia.
