By Jessica Cox
MONROVIA, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has declared the last Saturday of every month from September 2026 to September 2027 as National Exercise and Wellness Day, as part of efforts to promote physical activity and prevent non-communicable diseases in Liberia.
Under the proclamation, the observance will take place from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM throughout the country.
The declaration was announced during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, where the Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs read the presidential proclamation outlining the initiative.
According to the proclamation, the Ministry of Health has observed an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
It cited findings from the 2022 STEPS Survey, conducted under the direction of the Ministry of Health on behalf of the World Health Organization, which reported that 23.8 percent of adults between ages 18 and 69 had elevated blood pressure, while 39.3 percent were overweight and 19.9 percent were obese.
The proclamation said the figures underscore the need to strengthen preventive healthcare measures, promote healthier lifestyles, encourage early detection and treatment, and sustain public health and wellness.
It noted that regular physical activity and preventive health practices can contribute to healthier lifestyles and help reduce risks associated with non-communicable diseases.
Under the initiative, the Ministry of Health is directed to provide leadership 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 encourages public corporations, schools, workplaces, communities and residents to organize or participate in activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, stretching, health education and health screenings.
It further states that activities should be conducted by qualified personnel and in accordance with professional health and legal standards to safeguard participants, including men, youth, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
The government is also encouraging residents to incorporate safe physical activities 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.
Speaking after the proclamation was read, the Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs said the initiative provides an opportunity for Liberians to participate in physical activities on the last Saturday of each month. The observance will begin in September 2026 and run through September 2027.
