…A Call to Action

November 24, 2024, Monrovia, Liberia)—The Ministry of Health (MOH), led by Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, has pledged to prioritize the health and well-being of Liberia’s youngest and most vulnerable. Recognizing the need to address neonatal mortality, the MOH has initiated a series of comprehensive reforms, to ensure every newborn receives the quality care they deserve. The Ministry’s plan is multifaceted, focusing on bolstering healthcare systems and ensuring accessibility. Efforts are underway to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals nationwide. This includes specialized training in neonatal care, equipping providers with the tools to manage critical conditions and deliver lifesaving interventions for newborns. Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) are being set up in referral hospitals across Liberia to provide advanced care for premature and critically ill newborns. These units, equipped with modern incubators, warmers, and monitors, represent a significant step toward reducing neonatal fatalities.

Promoting safe delivery practices, improving antenatal care, and addressing maternal complications are central to the Ministry’s approach. These measures aim to ensure healthier pregnancies and safer births for mothers and their babies. Notably, the Liberian Government Hospital (LGH) in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, became the first to benefit from the Ministry’s interventions. A two-day training program brought together healthcare workers to focus on essential neonatal care techniques, basic life support, and best practices for managing newborn emergencies. Simultaneously, the hospital unveiled a state-of-the-art NICU, equipped to cater to premature and critically ill newborns. The unit’s establishment has brought much-needed specialized care closer to the people of Grand Bassa County, marking a turning point in the region’s healthcare delivery. Alongside these measures, the MOH has rolled out a robust community engagement strategy. This approach seeks to raise awareness about the importance of maternal and neonatal health, encouraging families to utilize available healthcare services. By fostering stronger connections between communities and healthcare providers, the Ministry aims to ensure timely interventions for mothers and newborns “This initiative is not just a healthcare reform—it’s a promise to every mother, every family, and every newborn in Liberia,” said Dr. Kpoto. “We are committed to reducing neonatal mortality and ensuring that no child is left behind.” The MOH’s efforts demonstrate a clearer vision for a healthier Liberia, where every child has the chance to thrive.