First Lady COS, Foday Karpeh
By Jamesetta D. Williams
Monrovia-The Office of the First Lady of Liberia has joined a national effort to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), calling for increased public education, stronger support systems, and greater inclusion of individuals living with the conditions.
The initiative is expected to bring together health professionals, caregivers, government institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to improve public understanding of the conditions and encourage the development of appropriate support services in Liberia.
Foday E. Karpeh, Chief of Staff in the Office of the First Lady, announced the office’s involvement during remarks at the Ministry of Information’s Charles Gbenyon Hall in Monrovia, where the national awareness campaign was discussed.
Karpeh said the campaign seeks to address limited public knowledge about autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities, while encouraging a more informed and supportive environment for affected individuals and their families.
He emphasized that awareness alone would not be enough without cooperation among professionals, caregivers, government agencies, and organizations with relevant experience in the field.
According to Karpeh, bringing these groups together would help Liberia share knowledge, identify existing challenges, and develop practical responses to the needs of individuals living with the conditions.
He also disclosed that Liberia currently lacks a comprehensive national policy framework specifically addressing autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
He said this gap makes public awareness and stakeholder engagement important steps toward establishing a coordinated national response.
The Chief of Staff noted that the initiative would involve collaboration with individuals and organizations that have experience working on autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities, including international partners expected to provide technical guidance and support.
Karpeh said such partnerships could help strengthen local knowledge and assist stakeholders in identifying approaches suited to Liberia’s needs.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Samuel has also underscored the importance of public education and awareness, noting that individuals on the autism spectrum have different needs and require appropriate attention, understanding, and support.
Addressing journalists at the Ministry of Information in Monrovia, Amb. Samuel said the conference is intended to improve public understanding of autism and the challenges experienced by individuals living with developmental disabilities.
He explained that people on the autism spectrum should not be treated as though they all have the same needs, emphasizing the importance of appropriate support from families, caregivers, and the wider society.
According to him, the conference will also provide an opportunity to promote education, encourage professional engagement, and strengthen the role of caregivers in supporting individuals with disabilities.
Amb. Samuel stressed that increased awareness and inclusion are necessary to ensure that people living with autism and other developmental conditions are not overlooked or excluded from society.
Both speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration and public education in addressing the challenges faced by affected individuals and their families.
Karpeh also called on journalists and media institutions to play an active role in the campaign by providing accurate information, challenging misconceptions, and helping communities better understand the conditions.
He stressed that the media could help ensure that information reaches people beyond Monrovia, particularly families who may have limited access to professional guidance and support services.
The awareness activities are scheduled to run from the 9th to the 11th, with the major launch expected on Tuesday, according to Karpeh. The specific month and year were not stated in the remarks provided.
The campaign is expected to create opportunities for stakeholders to exchange information and discuss ways to improve public understanding and support for affected individuals and their caregivers.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental condition that can affect communication, social interaction, behavior, and how individuals experience the world. Intellectual and developmental disabilities may affect intellectual functioning and everyday activities, with individuals requiring different levels of support depending on their needs.
Although these conditions are different, individuals living with them may require understanding, acceptance, and access to appropriate services.
In Liberia, increased awareness could help address stigma, misinformation, and the difficulties families face when seeking information, assessment, education, and other forms of assistance.
Karpeh expressed optimism that the initiative would encourage stronger collaboration among relevant stakeholders and contribute to improved support systems for individuals affected by autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The involvement of the Office of the First Lady is expected to add institutional support to the awareness effort, as stakeholders work toward greater public understanding and a more inclusive society.
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