…Leaders Unite to Champion Maternal and Child Health in Liberia.
(Monrovia, Liberia – April 8, 2025) – Liberia joined the global community yesterday in commemorating World Health Day 2025 in Bentol City, Montserrado County, under the global theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” with a resounding national slogan: “No Woman Should Die While Giving Life.” The event brought together government officials, health experts, international partners and students to reaffirm commitments to reducing maternal and child mortalities. Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Hon. Atty. Malayah Tamba Chieyoe, Deputy Minister for Policy and Planning, delivered a powerful address, stressing Liberia’s urgent need to improve access to quality healthcare.
Deputy Minister Chieyoe: “Maternal and child health remain crucial indicators of the strength and equity of any health system.” “These numbers are not just statistics—they represent lives lost, families broken, and communities affected.” Hon. Chieyoe said the government’s ambitious targets under the ARREST Agenda aim to slash maternal mortality from 742 to 440 per 100,000 live births by 2029. Deputy Minister Chieyoe left attendees with a charge: “Let us commit to a Liberia where no woman fears childbirth and every newborn breathes in safety and dignity.”
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, echoed these concerns in a message read by Dr. Abdullahi Sule, WHO Liberia Officer in Charge. “In our region, 20 mothers and 120 newborns die every hour—a total of 178,000 maternal and 1 million newborn deaths annually,” he revealed. “These are not just numbers; they represent real lives lost, families shattered, and futures cut short.” He urged accelerated action, citing Sierra Leone’s progress as a model for scalable interventions. Madame Christine Umutoni, UN Resident Coordinator, underscored the moral imperative of equitable healthcare. “We can and must do better. Investing in maternal and child health is a critical pathway toward sustainable development.” She called for strengthened health systems, community empowerment, and innovative partnerships.
Hon. Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Senate Pro-Tempore, delivered a stirring keynote, framing maternal health as a legislative priority. “The vulnerability of our newborns is a national crisis,” she declared. “Liberia’s newborn mortality rate of 37 deaths per 1,000 live births demands immediate and multi-sectoral action” She outlined a four-point plan, which included increased healthcare funding and community-based education, urging policymakers to learn from the successes of Rwanda and Ethiopia. The event also spotlighted Liberia’s collaboration with global partners. A recurring theme was the need for localized solutions.
Hon. Dabah M. Varpilah, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, emphasized grassroots engagement: “Community health workers are vital to bridging gaps in rural areas. We must decentralize care to save lives.” Dr. Adam Kyne, representing First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai, emphasized the importance of universal healthcare and community wellness initiatives. Dr. Kyne pledged the First Lady’s commitment to improving healthcare access, particularly for women and children. The commemoration closed with a unified call to action: “No Woman Should Die While Giving Life.”