(Bong County, March 31, 2025) Through its Child Health Unit, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has taken a major stride in enhancing neonatal care by conducting a comprehensive three-day training on managing common newborn conditions and essential neonatal procedures at Bong Mines Hospital. The training aligns with the government’s broader strategy to strengthen neonatal services nationwide through capacity-building and the upgrading of Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). The training also aimed to reduce neonatal mortality and improve healthcare outcomes for Liberia’s youngest and most vulnerable patients. The workshop brought together doctors, nurses, and midwives from Bong Mines Hospital, equipping them with vital skills to address neonatal emergencies.
The sessions covered key topics such as neonatal resuscitation, infection management, fluid and electrolyte balance, thermal care, Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), and other conditions. The interactive curriculum combined theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, ensuring participants gained both confidence and competence in delivering high-quality newborn care.
Gertrude Y. Makor, Newborn Coordinator, Child Health Unit/MoH, explained the significance of the training in advancing neonatal healthcare services. “Empowering healthcare providers with these essential skills is a fundamental step toward reducing newborn mortality in Liberia,” she stated. Dr. Ye-Jeung Coleman-Nekar further emphasized the initiative’s role in supporting the ongoing NICU upgrades at Bong Mines Hospital, reinforcing the facility’s capacity to deliver specialized care for critically ill newborns. Participants lauded the training for its practical approach, which included live demonstrations, case studies, and skill-building exercises.
One attendee from Bong Mines Hospital remarked, “This program has significantly boosted my ability to manage neonatal emergencies effectively. The techniques we’ve learned will directly translate into better care and improved survival rates for newborns.” Such feedback highlights the immediate impact of the training and its potential to save lives in underserved communities.
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with other stakeholders, including the Pediatric Association of Liberia, remains dedicated to expanding access to quality neonatal care across the country. The expertise gained from the training will be instrumental in ensuring that newborns receive timely, life-saving interventions as Bong Mines Hospital’s NICU undergoes upgrading.