Major sporting events are said to be followed by global audience, providing a platform to promote health messages and limiting the sale of unhealthy product on the Liberian market is key to the country’s regulatory body.
Dr. Luke Bawo who is the Managing Director of the Liberia Medicine & Health Products Regulatory Authority says, restricting the market of sub-standard and falsified medicines through sport events can help protect the public from unsafe medications.
Here is Dr. Bawo full speech, when he served as guest of honor during the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) Annual Awards Night, held at the SKD Sports Complex in Paynesville, on Friday May 23, 2025.
‘Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed members of the Sports Writers’ Association, distinguished guests, and celebrated athletes,
Good evening!
It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you tonight at this prestigious annual awards program. Tonight, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of athletes and the tireless dedication of sports writers who bring their stories to life. Your work not only illuminates the triumphs and trials of our athletes but also shapes the very fabric of sports culture in our society.
As the Drug Regulatory Authority, we recognize the immense responsibility resting on both athletes and the institutions that support them. The world of sports has always been characterized by competition, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. However, this pursuit has, in some cases, been overshadowed by challenges that must be addressed to ensure the integrity of our sports.
In recent years, we have witnessed encouraging movements toward transparency and ethics in sports, particularly concerning the use of substances that can enhance performance.
This is where our roles intersect profoundly. While our athletes strive to push the limits of human capability, it is our duty to ensure that they do so safely and fairly. The Drug Regulatory Authority is committed to fostering an environment that prioritizes health and integrity over mere victories.
There are ways, amongst others, in which the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) can play a significant role in supporting the fight against sub-standard and falsified medicines through various strategic actions:
- Publishing investigative articles and features that educate the public and athletes about the dangers of sub-standard and falsified medicines.
- Sharing stories of athletes who have been affected by sub-standard medicines, bringing a human face to the issue.
- Investigating and exposing cases of counterfeit medications in sports, focusing on accountability for those responsible.
- Collaborating with anti-doping agencies to promote clean sport and the importance of integrity in athletic performance.
- Utilizing social media platforms to raise awareness and educate followers about the risks of fake medications.
It is essential that we recognize the efforts made by sports writers in this regard. Your role as independent voices in the landscape of sports cannot be overstated. You are not just chroniclers of events; you are watchdogs for ethical practice, advocates for fairness, and heralds of change.
By calling attention to the importance of clean competition, you help to safeguard the future of sports, ensuring that triumphs are celebrated not just for their outcome but for the integrity with which they are achieved.
Tonight, as we honor the athletes who have achieved greatness, let us also celebrate the guiding principles that keep our sports leagues healthy and respected.
Let us applaud the initiatives that promote education on the risks of doping, the importance of fair play, and the advocacy for clean sports.
It is through collaboration between regulatory authorities, sports organizations, and the media that we can forge a path toward a future where athletes can thrive without the shadow of unscrupulous practices.
In closing, we at the LMHRA extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the award recipients. You embody the dedication, hard work, and passion that define sportsmanship.
Your achievements are not just personal milestones; they are a beacon of inspiration for the younger generation of athletes and sports journalists who look up to you.
Thank you for your commitment to excellence, honesty, and integrity in sports. Together, let us continue to promote a culture of health, fairness, and respect that every athlete deserves.
Enjoy this wonderful evening, and once again, congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Your stories are remarkable, and your contributions invaluable.
Thank you