The Ministry of Health through the Family Health Program with funding support from the World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded a five-day stakeholders’ consultative meeting to review and harmonize data on Maternal Perinatal Newborn Death Surveillance and Response (MPNDSR) which aimed to improve maternal, neonatal, and child deaths and response reporting mechanisms and develop actionable plans to strengthen the health system across the country. The event, which took place at the Golden Key Hotel in Paynesville outside Monrovia, from December 2-6, 2024, brought together Data Managers, County Surveillance Officers, Reproductive health Supervisors, donors, and partners to discuss and identify key solutions to improve data generation and management between the existing data platforms or sources IDSR & DHIS 2 for reporting maternal and neonatal deaths at national and sub-national levels. Speaking during the event’s closing, Edna J. Kiawoin representing the World Health Organization (WHO) thanked all the participants, including other resource persons, for their commitment to making the 5-day consultation on strengthening MPNDSR reporting mechanisms a success.

 She highlighted that the MPNDSR framework continued to serve as an accountability tool for quality improvement in maternal and newborn healthcare. Madam. Kiawoin believed that the 5-day meeting has increased participants’ knowledge, enhanced coordination at national and sub-national levels, and underpinned the need to foster partnership. The maternal health specialist added that the consultation was just a step to more steps toward improved the quality of care for mothers and newborns and challenged all participants to be steadfast in buttressing national government efforts to improve the health of all Liberians, especially the most vulnerable. Madam Nancy T. Bonner, Montserrado County Reproductive supervisor, speaking on behalf of the participants extended heartfelt gratitude to every participant for their dedication, insights, and collaboration for their invaluable contributions in shaping a unified approach to addressing maternal and newborn mortality. She also thanked the facilitators, organizers, and support staff for ensuring the success of such an important gathering.

According to Madam Bonner, Over the days, they confronted hard truths, identified gaps, and embraced the challenges inherent in this critical work. “Together, we have developed actionable strategies to strengthen data collection, improve accountability, and implement evidence-based interventions. Our efforts reflect a collective determination to transform the statistics into stories of hope and survival”, she said. She further cautioned fellow participants as they return to their respective roles, to remain united in purpose and action in driving the change needed with the decisions and commitments to ensure that no mother or newborn is lost to preventable causes.

Also making remarks, Mr. Trokon Yeabah Representing the National Public Health Institution of Liberia (NPHIL) expressed gratitude to the WHO and the family health program for such an important meeting. Mr. Yeabah said that over the years, the discussion about data quality issues has been on WhatsApp. “Today, I am happy that all those concerned have gathered in person to identify the causes of data discrepancy and develop actionable plans to strengthen the MPNDSR reporting mechanisms,” the public health expert stressed. He added that there has been no challenge in data reporting, but the quality of what is being reported is the major issue that needs to be looked at and made improvement. Mr. Yeabah admonished participants as they returned to their various counties with enhanced skills in quality data reporting to ensure that there’s no discrepancies in data in the preceding years.

For her part, Madam Farzee P. Johnson addressing participants on behalf of the Director of the Family Program noted that the past days were a testament to the shared commitment of all stakeholders to addressing the challenges surrounding maternal and newborn health. According to Madam Johnson, through active participation, insightful discussions, and thoughtful contributions, significant progress in harmonizing data, identifying gaps, and crafting actionable solutions to save lives and improve health outcomes was achieved. Noting the collective efforts during the meeting underscored the critical importance of collaboration and evidence-based approaches. She furthered that Maternal and newborn deaths are preventable and that the meeting has strengthened the determination to ensure that no mother or child dies needlessly. And reminded participants that every statistic represents a life, a family, and a future. She at the same time extended her deepest gratitude to each of participant for their dedication to the cause. “To our stakeholders and partners, your contributions have been invaluable, and your continued collaboration will be essential as we move forward”, Madam Farzee P. Johnson said.