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 nationwide.
The campaign focuses on improving access to skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric care, prenatal and postnatal services, and timely referrals.
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 Plan on maternal and newborn deaths in Congo Town.
Meanwhile WHO country representative, Dr. Olushayo Olu, commended Liberia’s leadership in launching a coordinated health action plan.
Dr. Olu describes the plan as an action-oriented approach, which aligns with the AAID and, importantly, the Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Olu, speaking on behalf of all health Partners, 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.
He called on the ministry to extend the program beyond the 365 days to ensure sustained action towards 2030, whilst reaffirming the WHO commitment to the work and programs of the ministry.
At the same time, Senate Committee Chair on Health, Dabah Varpilah, weighed in on the coordination and role of the community health workers and traditional birth attendants in reducing maternal deaths.
Senator Varpilah also highlighted the underutilization of maternal waiting homes and the investigation into why these maternal homes that are in some counties are not used adequately.
The Senate Committee Chair acknowledged the challenges faced by health workers and the need for upgrades in health centers to improve maternal health outcomes.
National Public Health Institute of Liberia interim Director General Dr. Sia Wata Camanor emphasized the need for closer monitoring and prevention strategies, pledging NPHIL’s support to the ministry in achieving the 365-day plan.
Dr. Camanor sharing some personal experiences about emergency Cesarean Section underscored the importance of having qualified medical facilities.
In furtherance, Montserrado County Superintendent, Whroway Bryant, thanked the partners for their support and mentioned some upgrades of health centers in the county and the construction of new facilities that are underway.
Superintendent Bryant recognized the role of community health workers in reaching remote areas and the need for support from local government.
The 365-day action plan for the reduction of maternal and neonatal deaths was attended by scores of health stakeholders, medical students, government officials, and officials from the health ministry.