(Monrovia, Liberia, March 26, 2026)—The Ministry of Health and its development partners today rallied behind a 365-day action plan to end maternal and newborn deaths across the country. 

The campaign, unveiled in Monrovia, brought together government officials and partners in a coordinated push to eliminate preventable maternal and neonatal deaths through targeted, measurable interventions over a one-year period.

Officially declaring the action plan launch, Dr. Teyah Sackie Moore, Assistant Minister for Curative Services and Acting Chief Medical Officer of the Republic of Liberia, underscored the urgency and moral weight of the campaign.

“Recognizing the sacred value of every mother and child, and reaffirming our commitment to health equity, we hereby launch a one-year campaign of action to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths in Liberia,” Dr. Moore declared.

He outlined a comprehensive package of interventions, including strengthening newborn services across all health facilities, ensuring that every delivery is attended by trained health professionals, and deploying skilled midwives and frontline workers to rural and underserved areas.

The plan also prioritizes the consistent availability of essential medicines, equipment, and life-saving commodities, as well as improvements in referral systems through better transportation and communication to guarantee timely access to care.

Dr. Moore emphasized that community engagement will be central to the campaign, with increased awareness to promote early antenatal care, facility-based deliveries, and postnatal services.

He added that enhanced data systems will support monitoring, accountability, and performance tracking.

“We commit to 365 days of relentless action, advocacy, and accountability to ensure that no mother or newborn dies from preventable causes,” he said. “This is not only a national priority but a moral obligation.”

Also speaking at the launch, Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs, Hon. George Marshall, delivered a statement on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, describing the campaign as a critical intervention despite progress made over the years.

“This marks important progress, but maternal and newborn deaths remain a serious public health concern that requires urgent and decisive action,” the President’s statement noted.

According to the statement, the Government’s strategy focuses on delivering measurable results within a year, with particular emphasis on strengthening referral systems to ensure timely access to life-saving medical care.

“The Ministry of Health will lead the implementation of this plan, supported by regular performance reviews to ensure progress and accountability,” the statement added. “With clear targets and strong coordination, this initiative is expected to significantly reduce maternal and newborn mortality within the 365-day period.”

Providing an overview of the program, Assistant Minister for Preventive Services, Dr. Cuallau Jabbeh Howe, described the plan as a decisive national response to persistent gaps in maternal and child healthcare.

According to her, the initiative represents “a bold and coordinated effort to close gaps, accelerate life-saving interventions, and ensure that every pregnancy is safer, and every woman, newborn, and child has a chance to survive and thrive.”

Dr. Howe emphasized that tackling maternal and neonatal mortality requires more than expanding access to healthcare services.

Also speaking on behalf of partners, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Liberia, Dr. Olushayo Olu, commended the Ministry of Health for its action-oriented and timely intervention.

“For us as partners, this initiative represents a critical step toward addressing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths, challenges we know can be overcome through coordinated, timely, and evidence-based interventions,” Dr. Olu noted.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Dabah M. Varpilah, lauded the Ministry for embarking on such a critical national intervention.

Hon. Varpilah also reaffirmed the Legislature’s support for the initiative, pledging continued advocacy for increased investment in the health sector.

“From the Legislature, on behalf of the Health Committee and myself, I assure you that we remain committed to supporting you,” she stated. “We stand ready to advocate for increased funding and policies that will strengthen the health sector.”

The Ministry has begun deploying doctors, nurses, and midwives to health facilities across all 15 counties to improve service delivery.

In a notable policy shift, health professionals currently serving in administrative roles at the Ministry are being reassigned to clinical duties in hospitals and primary healthcare centers, to address workforce gaps and strengthen frontline care.

The 365-day campaign forms part of a strategy to accelerate progress toward reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths, aligning national efforts with global health targets.