Health Ministry Receives Huge Medical Consignment from Orange-Liberia to Boost COVID-19 Fight

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has received a donation of huge medical consignments and other accessories from Orange Liberia to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The items which include hand gloves, PPEs, face shield, and nose masks coupled with some essential medical supplies were presented on Monday, September 28, 2020, at the Health Ministry

Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah, receiving the items on behalf of the government and her Ministry said, the donation will help boost the country’s fight against this deadly Coronavirus pandemic.

“These donation came at the appropriate time when we are in the middle of the fight. As we are into the COVID-19 major fight, these materials will help in the combat against the deadly virus. These supplies will also be used during the treatment of other diseases, even if COVID is eradicated from the Country”, Dr. Jallah indicated.

The energetic Minister, on behalf of President George Manneh Weah and the government, used the occasion to thank Orange-Liberia for its continuous commitment to reaching out to the Ministry in these critical times.

“on behalf our President Dr. George Manneh Weah, who is leading in this COVID fight—because of his leadership we are here today—and the entire IMS team: the NPHIL, Ministry of health, partners and all of the health care workers around the country who have been participating in the fight against COVID, we want to say a big thank to orange Liberia for these donation.  We are going to follow up to ensure that these donation reach the beneficiaries”, she assured. Presenting the donation to the Ministry was Sara Elizabeth Buchanan, Director of CSP and Internet Communication at Orange-Liberia. She said since the outbreak of the pandemic, the Mobile Company stepped up to respond to the fight against the virus in the Country, naming the 14 Military Hospital, JFK and the Redemption Hospital as beneficiaries to their goodwill.

“As you may be aware, this is not the first time to have orange Liberia come with such donation. when the 14 Military hospital was firstly setup, we were one of the first to show our partnership with the Ministry of health and the republic of Liberia, telling the Country that we are here for the Liberian people, and we are here to help with what our people need during this curious period”,

The approximately 60,000 euros’ worth of medical supplies she said, was made available by orange Liberia in association with orange foundation.

Earlier, Minister Norwu Howard, Deputy Minister for Administration, stated that the supplies will prevent healthcare workers from contracting infection and other diseases.

“The world in which we live today is such that if we don’t prevent ourselves from infection, it would be unhealthy for us. So as health technicians and clinicians we need to follow the use of universal precautionary measure in our everyday life. “This donation will enable our precious health care workers out there to keep safe from contracting any infectious diseases. And this will also make them brave in performing their respective duty, as they continue to collect simples until we can be we can be able to reach the point where Liberia can be declared COVID-19 free,” DMA Howard said.

Pharmacists Celebrate World Pharmacists Day

Pharmacists across the country converged at the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Friday, September 25, 2020, to Joined ranks with millions of pharmacists globally to celebrate World Pharmacists Day, this year themed “Transforming Global.”

The annual day is used to highlight the value of the pharmacy profession to stakeholders and to celebrate pharmacy globally. It was originally adopted in 2009 at the World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Every year on September 25th, pharmacists around the globe celebrate World Pharmacists Day. This day focuses on the role pharmacists play in improving health on a global scale.

Speaking during the celebration, Liberian Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah narrated that immediately when she ascended at the helm of the Ministry, the Pharmaceutical Department was firstly engaged by her team in order to improve the sector, something she had envisaged in the private sector.

“We firstly invited the Department’s heads to a meeting to keep the system workable, because providing accessible and quality health delivery is something we had envisioned while in the private sector. Thereafter, we also engaged all of our pharmacists across the Country. This strategy was intended to bring all of our professional pharmacists together, so we can collectively work in unison, resulting to this mammoth gathering of pharmacists who travelled from all works of live to congregate here today.

“I believe they are very importance in our society: pharmacists use their broad knowledge and unique expertise to ensure that people get the best from their medicines. We ensure access to medicines and their appropriate use, improve adherence, coordinate care transitions and so much more,” she told the gathering

Meanwhile, Dr. Jallah believes pharmacists working and holding together is the best solution to eradicating the selling of drugs in street corners in the country, emphasizing “We can do a lot of things if we can work and hold together as a team. People go to a pharmacy and get anything they want of their choice which is bad for our society. All of these things are causing problems for us. However, drugs that are sole in buckets have gone partially, but yet some are still around.”

Lamenting on the ongoing saga with health workers’ refusal to return to work due to salary increment and ambiguous demands, the energetic Minister said the Ministry is still concerned but negotiation and dialogue are the best solutions to addressing their plights.

“People just think we are not concerned about the health care workers’ demands; we are concerned. what I think happening here is we cannot just address all of the issues as once. They (health Workers) are important to us because when you are sick it is their responsibility to take care of you.

“Remember, sickness has no border. Therefore, dialoguing and negotiating with them will give us all a long way. We are here to take care of the people.  This is a responsibility that has been given to us,” she noted

Meanwhile, on behalf of the Government of H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah and the great people of Liberia she extended unflinching thanks and appreciation to the Pharmaceutical Association of Liberia (PAL) as well as partners for always working with the Ministry. Minister Jallah at the same time encouraged the Association to continue on its good footing for the betterment of the Country’s health Sector.

Earlier was the Keynote Speaker of the day Dr. Clement Lugala, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Liberia, who believes the role of Pharmacists in the health sector is beyond the product-oriented fashion of medicines and distribution. According to the WHO’s Representative, Pharmacists should seek the interest of their patients and at the same time, build a workable relationship with them in order to meet their professional goals.

“The role of Pharmacists is transforming beyond the product-oriented fashion of medicine and distributing drugs. We must build a relationship with patients; we must listen to them; it is the services we provide to the patients. However, when it comes to pharmacists, you probably think of the person behind the counter that fills your prescription. These pharmacists work long hours, usually standing the entire time. Along with dispensing pills and providing advice on medications, pharmacists also administer immunizations. Pharmacists who conduct research discover and test new medications.

“No matter what capacity pharmacists work in; they are considered medicine experts. These experts have considerable responsibility in health care. It’s up to them to ensure that medicine is effective and safe. Besides knowing about each type of medication, they must know about the different forms it comes in. There are liquids, tablets, capsules, topical medicines, drops, inhalers, and injections. They must also know how different medications react with one another. No wonder it takes eight years of college to become a pharmacist!” he indicated.

However, he used the occasion to call on health practitioners and scientists to embark on manufacturing medication so as to curtail the imputation of drugs on the African continent: “Africa is spending a lot on drugs imputation instead of manufacturing. We have the capacity here. The opportunity of the African Medicine Agency can be a game-changer if we stand up.”

Notwithstanding, Dr. Lugala said transforming the global health agenda will not be achieved fully “if we cannot define the role of the pharmacists, so pharmacists can contribute to key global health areas across different levels; and they must be enabled to serve in these capacities. They need to be facilitated if our pharmacists are to play a role in ECOWAS”.

According to him, Pharmacists can help to reduce the health disparity and achieve health for all if the needed opportunity is given: “if the need opportunity is given to our pharmacists, they will help to reduce the health disparity and achieve health for all…because they are there wherever we talk about access to drugs—even in our own planning and development agenda.”

He proposed for the Pharmaceutical workforce to be “fundamental in our Country, including Liberia can achieve universal health coverage, health security, and the sustainable development goal by 2030.”

Finally, Dr. Lugala, “in addition to safe handling and administration of medications, providing personalized and individualized care for patients is important to ensuring that they’re on the correct medication, at the correct dose, and taking it when appropriate”.

MOH Receives 391 Two-way Radios from Last Miles Health

In an effort to effectuate and increase access to communication in the Health Sector as well as sustainable access to information dissemination, the Ministry of Health has received huge donation of 391 pieces of two-way radios from Last Miles Health.

According to a statement from the Ministry, the items were donated over the weekend at the Ministry in Congo Town. The pieces of radios are expected to be distributed in order to better improve access to stable and sustainable communication and respond to situation at various levels of the health sector. It will, besides, enhance and influence the Ministry’s decision making at certain strategic levels, especially when it comes to drugs distribution and supervision.

The two-way secured digital radios have the capacity to make available long-distance communication with GPS tracking capabilities and video analytics for on and off-premise security. The value is put at approximately US$155,000.00

However, making a statement during the donation, Ministry of Health Deputy Minister for Administration (DMA) Norwu Howard asserted that communication has the power to either make or break an organization. “In my career, one of the most important tools is the tool of communication—it has the power to make or break an organization.

“And, I think in these times as we should adjust to the new manner—because if it is not COVID today, it’s going be to another infection, or it going to be another disaster. I think the tools of communication that we have now will help a long way in making sure that we as a ministry know what is going on; we as a ministry can communicate to people who need information; We as a health sector and a country can use the tools of communication to not only talk about the good things that are happening in the Ministry but also things that are happening in the public which are health related,” she noted.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Health boss has praised the Communication Department of the Ministry for consistently and rapidly uploading news contents on the Ministry’s website, which has promoted the Ministry’s activities both locally and internationally.

“The Department of Communication has done a great job in uploading news contents to various platforms of the Ministry, especially the website,” she praised.

In a special statement, Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah narrated that the donation came following a request to Last Miles Health to purchase some sets of radios that would be used to enhance effective communication at various levels.

“Whenever things happen in other parts of the country and it communicated to us, with this donation being made to us, we can move in to intervene immediately. However, one of our biggest networks that will use this donation is the supply chain.”

According to her, the radios will enhance routine services: “When we start distribution of the drugs to various counties across the country, these radios will monitor most of the activities. If anything happens on the way, somebody with the radio will immediately communicate it to us and we will move in. Even at the facility levels, our people will not struggle to communicate information to us. So, I think this is a very big milestone for us as a Ministry and people of this great republic.  Disseminating proper information to our people in the various facilities, I think it is very important.”

Dr. Jallah lauded Last Mile Health for the collaboration and at the same time cautioned beneficiaries of the supply to immediately communicate every necessary information to the Ministry for tracking, vowing to use the donation for the intended purpose.

Ministry of Health Patient Safety Day Talking Points on COVID-19

        

DateUpdated on 15 September 2020
ContactCommunication Unit, MOH, feleciagbesiohmoh@gmail.com/0770259623  

Key messages

  1. On 17 September, we celebrate World Patient Safety Day because to realize quality health care, the first step is to do no harm, yet in hospitals in low- and middle-income countries globally, every year, there are 134 million adverse events due to unsafe care, contributing to 2.6 million lives lost.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has reaffirmed that to keep patients safe, health workers must be protected, and so this year’s theme is Health Worker Safety: A Priority for Patient Safety.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic is presently among the biggest challenges and threats to face the world and humanity, and health care is living its greatest crisis in patient safety ever.  Health systems can only function with health workers, and a knowledgeable, skilled and motivated health workforce is critical for the provision of safe care to patients.
  • Considering the ongoing challenges, a key activity of the global campaign for World Patient Safety Day 2020 focuses on: lighting up a prominent monument, public space, or natural feature in orange as a gesture of respect and gratitude to all health workers, to recognize the essential work health workers do.

Why was the World Safety Day established?

As a part of the global action on patient safety, the 72nd World Health Assembly adopted a resolution on 24th May 2019 to address global patient safety in a concerted manner. Part of this resolution was the adoption of 17th September as a World Patient Safety Day.

By having a World Patient Safety Day, we can prioritize and address patient safety through global solidarity and concerted action from all member countries, stakeholders, patients and international partners. This approach is similar to our Patient Solidarity Day, where we involve the entire community and all government actors in the effort.

Global observance of WPSD aims to:

  • Raise awareness of patient safety issues globally
  • Enhance global understanding on the central role of patient safety in achieving Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals
  • Encourage development of systems and procedures for the elimination of all avoidable health care related harm to patients, and management of risks in health care 
  • Encourage governments to commit to and support the implementation of strategies for ensuring patient safety, managing risks and fostering supportive, learning cultures  
  • Strengthen collaboration and partnerships at global, regional, national and local levels for implementing patient safety strategies and for improving safety of health care
  • Highlight specific patient safety themes such as Medication Safety, Education and Training in Patient Safety, Reporting and learning systems, and Patient Engagement 

Situation of Patient Safety in Liberia

  • Baseline assessment of patient safety in 42% (16) health facilities demonstrated poor standards of safety (47% average score) in our health facilities,
  • Weak areas highlighted for the survey: 1) patient safety surveillance and research, 2) medication safety, 3) surgical care and 4) patient safety funding

Ongoing efforts on Patient Safety

  • Establishment of the Quality Management |Unit at the Ministry of Health
  • Quarterly hand hygiene audits at healthcare facilities
  • Development of the National IPC guidelines
  • Establishment of quality teams at the facility level
  • Regular supervision and mentorship and mentorship of health facilities on IPC across the country
  • Development of the National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
  • National launch of the 3rd Global Safety Challenge, “Medication without harm”

Needed actions to improve patient safety in Liberia

  • Development of protocol for implementation of surgical site infection surveillance
  • Established Infection Prevention and Control Program at all levels of the Healthcare System with IPC guidelines,
  • Annual commemoration of IPC Week, Global Hand washing Days to raise awareness and improve Patient Safety,
  • Provide periodic training on patient safety best practices for health workers,
  • Ensure the availability of Infection prevention control supplies in all healthcare facilities in the country,
  • Emphasize patient safety and quality in training curriculum for health care professionals in Liberia (WHO Patient Safety Curriculum – multi-professional edition, can be adapted).

Signed: _______________________________________

           Felecia Gbesioh

          Director of Communication, MOH

MOH Receives Medical Consignments from WHO

(Monrovia, Liberia, September 2, 2020)—the Ministry of Health (MOH) has received medical consignments of Human Insulin and Glucagon for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus in the Country. The assorted medical supplies were donated by the World Health Organization on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, to help boost the fight against the noxious Coronavirus pandemic in the Country. Some victims of the virus suffer diabetes; therefore, the consignment will be sent to treatment units and other government medical facilities across the Country. 

Human insulin is the name that describes synthetic insulin which is laboratory grown to mimic the insulin in humans, and glucagon is a medication and hormone. As a medication, it is used to treat low blood sugar, beta-blocker overdose, calcium channel blocker overdose, and those with anaphylaxis who do not improve with epinephrine. 

Diabetes Mellitus (DM), commonly known as diabetes, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a high blood sugar level over a prolonged period. The unavailability of Insulin can lead to life complications as ketoacidosis, blindness, kidney failure, or heart attack.

The value of the consignments is put at approximately US$16,610.00 to be used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus in support of the COVID-19 strategic preparation and response plan (SPRP). 

This donation, accordingly, is part of WHO’s efforts to ensure increased access to essential health services, including improved and more equitable access to health products.

Receiving the items on behalf of the government of H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah and the National COVID­-19 Team, Liberian Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah thanked the World Health organization, AFRO, and partners for helping Liberia in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic since its outbreak in March. “On behalf of my president, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, I want to use this occasion to extend thanks and appreciation to WHO, AFRO, and partners for continuously supporting us throughout this fight.”

The Minister, who has been determined in the fight against the venomous Coronavirus, said that the PAR machine found in the package will be used by lab technicians for improving lab collection activities.

“These instruments are delivered for our diabetes patients—and it is also connected in line with those who’re venerable to COVID-19. The instruments will keep them and will keep their blood sugar normal. “We will distribute these instruments to various government facilities free of charge”, she vowed. 

However, the consignments will be sent to the Center Medical Store (CMS) for safekeeping before its onward distribution across the Country.

Meanwhile, the WHO Country Representative for Liberia, Dr. Peter Clement, has reaffirmed the World Health Body’s ceaseless support and Commitment to the George Weah-led government, particularly in the health sector.

While turning over the medical items to the Ministry, he said: “I am very happy to turn over these items to the government and the Ministry of Health. This donation is part of the WHO assignment’s effort in the health sector. It is a global distribution, but this is particularly for Liberia. We appreciate the strong partnership co-existence between the Liberian government and us. we are proud to be part of this endeavor—an unprecedented collaboration.”  

Health Ministry, Partners Conclude Free Surgical Outreach In Buchanan

(Buchanan City, Grand Bassa) The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Samaritan’s Purse in collaboration with New Sight Eye Center over the weekend concluded a free Medical and surgical outreach in the Port city of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, as a way of eradicating blindness among people in the Country.

The exercise which began on August 17 -28 at the Liberia Government Hospital Eye Center did not only attract patients within the County to the Eye Hospital but also gathered patients from surrounding counties of Grand Bassa, including Margibi, Rivercess, and Sinoe Counties. Patients who were booked outside of the port city of Buchanan were trucked by Samaritan Purse, enabling them free access to the facility.

According to the Ministry’s statement, the influx of patients—close to two thousand—was predicated upon massive awareness initially created by the Ministry and partners, who believe the lives of citizen matter.

The cost of the free medical and surgical eye operation which is put at around US$15,000.00 was funded by Samaritan’s Purse, while New Sight Eye Center served as an implementing partner. 

Making a brief statement on behalf of the government and the Ministry, Dr. Joseph Kerkulah, National Eye Health Program Director of MOH, said: “A total of 281 cases were booked; out of the number, 256 were cataracts while 25 were relatively inconsequential eye related cases.”

As a result of high sun rays which could hamper newly regained sight persons, Dr. Kerkulah said they have distributed marque new sunglasses among the patients to resist the sunray.

He, however, lauded Samaritan’s Purse and the New Sight Eye Center for unremittingly buttressing government’s efforts during these times of pandemic, and reassumed the government’s commitment and collaboration with partners to providing and delivering quality health services for all Liberians. “The Lion Club-Liberia is sponsoring about ten eye surgeons currently. Upon their graduation, they will be assigned to most of our hospitals across the Country to particularly treat patients with blindness,” he indicated.

The Ministry’s press statement further noted that most people who regained new sight were adults, constituting about 95% of the total number of patients who underwent the surgical operation.

“Now I can see people from distance—anywhere you stand I will see you”, Rufus K. Jomah, 73, explained following a successful surgical eye operation. “Firestone retired me because I did barely see people images as a truck driver, therefore I requested for retirement.” 

The surgical outreach ended with a program, with supporting and implementing partners using the occasion to appreciate the government for providing them the space to contribute to humanity, especially in the Country’s health sector.

Signed:__________________________________

Felecia Gbesioh

Director of Communication, MOH