MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Ministry of Health and partners have launched a nationwide 365-Day Maternal Mortality Reduction Campaign to significantly lower maternal and neonatal death rates.

The campaign focuses on improving access to skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric care, prenatal and postnatal services, and timely referrals.

The Assistant Minister for State, George Marshall, reading the President’s communique, said,” The Plan reflects the government’s commitment to protecting the lives of women and children”.

Assistant Minister Marshall acknowledged that, despite some progress over the years, maternal and newborn deaths remain a serious public health concern, emphasizing the need for sustained actions and improved health services.

The Assistant Minister of State said,” The effort marks an important step towards achieving universal health coverage, and meeting global goals for maternal health”.

He spoke at a program marking the official launch of the Ministry of Health 365-Days of Action on Maternal and Newborn Deaths in Congo Town.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, Dr. Olushayo Olu, commended Liberia’s leadership in launching a coordinating health action plan.

Dr. Olu describes the plan as an action-oriented approach, which is aligned with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) and, importantly, the Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaking on behalf of all health partners, Dr. Olu said,” The initiative reflects strong national leadership to address preventable maternal and neonatal deaths”.

The WHO Country Representative stressed the importance of community participation in addressing the maternal and neonatal health crisis.

Dr. Olu emphasized the need for swift and efficient referral systems with clear communication mechanisms and transport for the timely movements of pregnant women.

Dr. Olushayo Olu called on the Ministry of Health to extend the program beyond the 365 days to ensure sustained action towards 2030, while reaffirming the WHO commitment to the work and programs of the Ministry.