(Monrovia, Liberia, June 19, 2026) — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has launched the country’s first Ultrasound Reference Guide Manual, a document designed to standardize obstetric ultrasound practices and strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare services across Liberia.
The launch ceremony brought together senior government officials, healthcare professionals, development partners, radiology experts, and maternal health advocates committed to improving pregnancy and childbirth outcomes in the country.
Cutting the ribbon to officially launch the document, Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto lauded technicians and partners for the successful completion of the manual.
She disclosed that the manual will serve as a national reference tool for healthcare workers performing obstetric ultrasound examinations, helping to improve diagnostic accuracy, facilitate the early detection of pregnancy-related complications, and enhance the quality of maternal healthcare services nationwide.
“We are working to establish a biomedical school to train our future technicians,” she added.
The Minister also informed the gathering that efforts are underway to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that maternal waiting homes across the country are adequately supplied with food.
“Finally, we are working with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that maternal waiting homes have food. However, it is my pleasure to cut the ribbon on this document and officially declare it launched,” she concluded.
Earlier, delivering the keynote address, Dr. Olushayo O. Olu, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Liberia, commended the Ministry of Health for demonstrating leadership in advancing maternal healthcare through evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing maternal mortality.
According to Dr. Olu, access to quality ultrasound services can significantly improve pregnancy monitoring and enable healthcare providers to identify complications before they become life-threatening.
“All pregnant women should have access to ultrasound services. These services should be easily accessible to everyone, including those living in rural areas of the country. We must also ensure the maintenance and servicing of facilities at all county levels,” Dr. Olu said.
He further emphasized WHO’s continued commitment to supporting Liberia’s healthcare sector, particularly initiatives aimed at strengthening maternal, newborn, and child health services.
“We call on the Ministry of Health to integrate this manual into national health policy documents. WHO remains committed to working alongside the Government of Liberia and health partners to ensure that women and children have access to quality healthcare services,” he added.
Presenting the Ministry of Health’s roadmap for obstetric ultrasound services in Liberia, Acting Chief Medical Officer of the Republic of Liberia, Dr. Teyah Sackie Moore, underscored the government’s commitment to expanding access to quality imaging services throughout the country.
Dr. Moore said the Ministry intends to strengthen healthcare workers’ capacity, improve the availability of ultrasound equipment, and integrate standardized imaging services into maternal healthcare programs.
“Obstetric ultrasound is an essential component of quality maternal healthcare. Through this roadmap, we are positioning Liberia to provide more reliable, accessible, and equitable diagnostic services for pregnant women and newborns,” Dr. Moore said.
He added that strengthening imaging services will contribute significantly to achieving national targets aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality.
“From here, the next phase is the rollout of the manual, followed by training at TIMA and Jackson F. Doe Hospital. We have sent communications to County Health Officers to identify four candidates each for interviews. Two candidates from each county will be selected to participate in the training, which is scheduled to begin on July 1 this year,” he disclosed.
Providing an overview of the purpose of the event, Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister of Health and Co-Chair of the Ultrasound Technical Committee, Dr. Nowiah Gorpudolo-Dennis, said the development of the manual was the result of extensive collaboration among health professionals, and international partners.
She explained that the document was developed to address gaps in obstetric imaging practices and ensure that pregnant women receive timely and accurate diagnostic services regardless of where they seek care.
Delivering the opening remarks, Acting Director of the Family Health Division, Dr. Nuntia Gbanlon, described the launch as a significant milestone in Liberia’s efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.
Dr. Gbanlon noted that access to quality ultrasound services remains a critical component of antenatal care and emphasized the need for standardized guidelines to ensure consistency in service delivery across health facilities.
“Today marks an important step in our collective efforts to strengthen maternal and newborn health services. This manual provides healthcare workers with practical guidance and standards that will enhance the quality of obstetric ultrasound services throughout Liberia,” she said.
The Ministry of Health remains committed to strengthening maternal and newborn healthcare services through improved diagnostic capacity, standardized clinical practices, and strategic partnerships aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality across Liberia.