World Bank Donates Ventilator To Liberia

The World Bank (WB) on July 23, 2020 donated 20 ventilators to the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Health (MOH) to boost Liberia’s preparedness in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak in the Country, which amount to 24 ventilators in the Country.

The Bank made the donation to adequately prepare the country for the threat posed by the virus, especially if cases start to rise and more ventilators are required to aid patients’ recovery.

 “Timely provision of supplies is important to ensure that Liberia meets the targets established in its COVID-19 response plan,” said Sonpson B. Sieh, World Bank Technical Coordinator of Regional Disease Surveillance Systems Enhancement Project. “To detect, diagnose, and treat COVID-19 cases, Liberia must have the necessary supplies of laboratory, medical and personal protective equipment.”

According to Sieh, the donation from the World Bank is geared toward ensuring that Liberian “lives are safe by building the health system in the Country.” The donation by the Bank is valued at US$699,500.

This, Sieh said, is part of the US$17 million budget that was given to the government by the World Bank, to respond to the fight against the virus and strengthen the country’s response to disease outbreaks and emergencies.

Its goals are to mitigate and contain the transmission of COVID-19, ensure adequate management of confirmed COVID-19 cases, and as well strengthen the laboratory network systems for COVID-19 detection and other infectious diseases.

Receiving the donation, Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah said the ventilators will be distributed to treatment units and major health facilities to ensure people of Liberia are safe.

Dispelling fears, the energetic Minister of Health said that the country has technicians who are trained to properly use and maintain the machines, terming the ventilators as none invasive and can be used for both adults and children.  

“We have 24 ventilators now in Liberia. We are doing very well as a country. These ventilators will be distributed to our treatment units and later to our major health centers to provide the necessary treatment for our people, “Dr. Jallah emphasized.

In conclusion, the Minister thanked World Bank and partners for contribution to Liberia’s fight against the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.

Signed: _______________________________________

           Felecia Gbesioh

           Director of Communication, MOH

MOH Receives Consignment of Essential Medicine from USAID

For immediate Release

(July 21, 2020, Monrovia, Liberia)—The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Friday, July 17, 2020 received a consignment of essential medicines from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) aimed at buttressing government’s efforts in the Heath Sector.

The medical supplies worth US$1.7 million, were procured by USAID under an arrangement it reached with the Ministry to help procure additional critically needed medicines and health commodities in the country.

According to the Ministry’s release, additional two other consignments are expected to arrive in Monrovia by the end of September through USAID’s support.

Receiving the medical consignments on behalf of the Government and H.E. Dr. George Weah, Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah acknowledges the outstanding supports the Government and people of the United States has given towards the Health Sector since the inception of the Weah-led government.

According to Dr. Jallah, evidence of this is being shown when the U.S. government is fighting against the deadly Coronavirus pandemic and at the same time supplying assorted medical items to Liberia; something she said worth commending.

The energetic and farsighted Health Minister has pledged the Ministry’s commitment to working with USAID for equitable distribution of the drugs to various government’s medical facilities across the Country.

“we all worked tirelessly together to ensure that this can be a success. Now, we hope and pray that, as we receive these drugs, they will be distributed properly for the common good of the Liberian people”, she assured.

In welcoming statements, Boakai Boley, Managing Director of the Central Medical Store (CMS) praised the U.S. government for the consignment and vowed to begin its subsequent distribution.

“We want to appreciate you for your assiduous and continuous supports towards our sector with drugs. This is not your first time aiding us. Some months back, I can remember, you donated trucks to help enhance the distribution of drugs. However, we will shortly begin distribution of these drugs”, he said via zoom communication.

While handing over the medicines to Health Minister, Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah, the United States Chargé d’Affaires, Alyson Grunder, speaking virtually said the U.S. Government is committed to helping Liberia create a “well-functioning health delivery system that provides all Liberians access to quality health services, including safe, effective, and affordable medicines.”

The consignments of essential medicines are in addition to other much needed medical commodities the United States has provided the people of Liberia for several years now—commodities critical to improving access to family planning, treating chronic diseases, and reducing preventable mortality.

Although the Ministry’s major concern is to eradicate the Coronavirus from the Country, but the overall provision of quality health delivery to the Country and its people cannot be overlooked. As such, the Ministry will soon embark on distribution of the drugs to various government’s health facilities. 

Signed: _____________________________________

           Felecia Gbesioh

      Director of Communications

REVISED COVID-19 DECLARATION OF NATIONAL HEALTH EMERGENCY BY THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

IN THE WAKE OF INCREASING CASES AND DEATHS FROM THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE IN LIBERIA, AND GIVEN OUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CURRENT SPREAD OF THE VIRUS IN THE COMMUNITIES, ITS MODES OF TRANSMISSION, AND MEANS OF PREVENTION, THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH HEREBY ANNOUNCES A REVISED SET OF NATIONAL HEALTH EMERGENCY GUIDE GUIDELINES IN KEEPING WITH THE HEALTH EMERGENCY DECALRED ON MARCH 21, 2020 PURSANT TO CHAPTER 14 OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH LAW OF LIBERIA. UNDER THIS REVISED DECLARATION I HEREWITH DESIGNATE ALL 15 COUNTIES OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA AS AFFECTED AREAS IN WHICH THE FOLLOWING RULES AND REGULATIONS MUST APPY IMMEDIATELY AND REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTILL OHTERWISE MODEFIED. THIS DECLARATION WILL BE UPDATED BASED ON THE PREVAILING SITUAITON IN THE COVID-19 RESPONSE.

  1. All persons shall strictly follow and abide by all health protocols to protect against the spread of COVID-19 in Liberia which include the following:
  2. All persons shall wear a face mask covering both the nose and mouth at all times when in public place and when attending to sick persons;
  3. For clarity, public place is any place accessible to members of the public such as market places; shopping centers; transport vehicles including taxis, buses, keh-keh and motor cycles; health facilities; institutions of learning; hotels; entertainment centers and sports bars or video clubs; government buildings; business establishments, ports of entry etc.
  4. All Government institutions shall adopt a no-mask-no-entry, no-service policy;
  5. Social physical distancing of a minimum of three (3) feet from each other at all times is hereby imposed;
  6. Community and traditional leaders shall ensure the wearing of face masks in their communities;
  7. Mandatory hand washing with soap and clean water or alcohol based hand sanitizer is hereby ordered. Homes and all establishments, public and private shall ensure the implementation of this protocol at all times.
  8. All INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING ARE TO REMAIN CLOSED AS WE WORK WITH THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION FOR REOPENING. IN THE MAIN TIME, 12 GRADERS WHO ARE IN SCHOOL PREPARING FOR WASP MUST CONTINUE TO STRICTLY FOLLOW THE HEALTH PROTOCOLS LISTED IN COUNT 1 ABOVE.
  9. CHURCHES, MOSQUES AND ALL OTHER CENTERS OF WORSHIP AND PERSONS IN ATTENDANCE SHALL FOLLOW THE HEALTH PROTOCOLS LISTED IN COUNT 1 ABOVE.
  10. LARGE GATHERINGS INCLUDING PARTIES OF MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE, SPORTING EVENTS, WEDDINGS, AND FUNERALS ARE ALLOWED PROVIDED PERSONS IN ATTENDENCE FOLLOW THE HEALTH PROTOCOLS LISTED IN COUNT 1 ABOVE.
  11. RESTAURANTS AND COOKSHOPS SHALL BE OPENED PROVIDED PERSONS AND STAFF IN ATTENDANCE FOLLOW THE HEALTH PROTOCOLS LISTED IN COUNT 1 ABOVE.
  12. BARBER SHOPS AND BEAUTY SALONS AND PERSONS AND STAFF IN ATTENDANCE SHALL FOLLOW THE HEALTH PROTOCOLS LISTED IN COUNT 1 ABOVE.
  13. BANKS SHALL ONLY ALLLOW TEN PEOPLE AT A TIME IN THE SERVICE AREAS AND THOSE OUTSIDE THE BANKS SHOULD KEEP A DISTANCE OF AT LEAST THREE FEET APART FROM EACH OTHER WHILE AWAITING SERVICE. PERSONS AND STAFF IN ATTENDANCE SHALL FOLLOW THE HEALTH PROTOCOLS LISTED IN COUNT 1 ABOVE.
  14. PUBLIC TRANSPORTS: TAXIS SHALL CARRY NO MORE THAN THREE PASSENGERS IN THE BACK AND ON PASSSENGER IN THE FRONT; KEH-KEH SHOULD CARRY ONLY TWO PASSENGERS IN THE BACK AND NO PASSENGER IN THE FRONT. ALL DRIVERS/RIDERS AND PASSENGERS SHALL FOLLO THE PROTOCOLS LISTED UNDER COUNT 1 ABOVE. COMPULSARY MASK WEARING IS HEREBY IMPOSED IN ALL PUBLIC TRANSPORTS.
  15. ALL PORTS OF ENTRY SHALL FOLLOW DIRECTIVES FROM THE PRESIDENT VIA THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND THE LIBERIAN CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY.
  16. ALL SUPERMARKETS AND LARGE STORES MUST INSIST ON MASK WEARING AND ALLOW ONLY 20 CUSTONERS AT A TIME, WHILE THOSE CUSTOMERS OBSERVE SOCIAL DISTANCING BY BEING A MINIMUM OF THREE FEET APART AT ALL TIMES. THOSE OUTSIDE SHALL REMAIN OUTSIDE AND STAND A MINIMUM OF THREE FEET APART AS WELL, AS THEY AWAIT THEIR TURN TO BE SERVED. ALL BUSINESSES ARE REQUIRED TO FIND INNOVATIVE WAYS OF IMPLEMENTING COUNT 1.
  17. ALL HEALTH FACILITIES, HEALTH INSTITUTIONS AND PHARMACIES WILL REMAIN OPEN FOR ROUTINE SERVICES, WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING PRACTICES. ALL SAFETY RULES AND PROCEDURES AT HOSPITALS AND ALL FACILITIES SHALL BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO. MANDATORY MASK WEARING IS IMPOSED AT ALL HEALTH INSTITUTIONS.
  18. ALL MARKETERS AND BUYERS ARE REQUIRED TO ABIDE BY THE HEALTH PROTOCOLS LISTED IN COUNT 1.
  19. ALL STREET SELLERS ARE REQUIRED TO ABIDE BY THE HEALTH PROTOCOLS LISTED IN COUNT 1.
  20. COMMUNITY DWELLERS ARE ASKED TO PLEASE REPORT PEOPLE WHO SHOW SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THE CORONAVIRUS SUCH AS (COUGHING, FEVER, DIFFICULTY BREATHING) IN THEIR COMMUNITIES TO RELEVENT HEALTH AND SECURITY AUTHORITIES. PLEASE CALLS (4455).
  21. NIGHT CLUBS AND BARS SHALL REMAIN CLOSED; OTHER RELATED ENTAINMENT CENTERS SUCH BUSINESS DEALING ACOHOLIC BEVERAGES SHALL CLOSED AT 9PM.

OFFICIAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION ON THE COVID-19 VIRUS SHALL ONLY BE ANNOUNCED BY THE MOH, NPHIL AND MICAT.

ALL CITIZENS, RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ARE REQUIRED TO ABIDE BY THESE RULES.

SANCTIONS: VIOLATION OF THESE SET OF RULES SHALL BE DEALT WITH IN KEEPING WIITH SECTION 14.6 OF THE PUBLIC HEALHT LAW WHICH STATTES IN PART:

                      “Any person…who violates any of the provisions of this chapter or any of the rules

           Made thereunder shall, upon conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding two        hundred dollars or to imprisonment not exceeding thirty days, or to both such fine and imprisonment”.

           NOTE: MANDATORY MASK WERING IMPOSED ABOVE APPLIES TO ALL PERSONS INCLUDING PUBLIC OFFICIALS.

The Ministry of Justice, AS HEAD OF THE JOINT SECURITY, SHALL IN COLLABORATION WITH THE MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS ENFORCE THESE RULES WITHOUT PREJUDICE.

WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN, WE SHALL AND WE MUST KICK COVIID-19 OUT OF LIBERIA.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND IN THE CITY OF MONROVIA ON THIS 22ND DAY OF July A.D. 2020

SIGNED: __________________________________

            Wilhelmina S. Jallah , MD, MPH, CHES, EWACP

           MINISTER

MOH Adopts Passport COVID-19 To Strengthen Its Fight Against Coronavirus

As prevention and eradication of the deadly coronavirus from the Country remain a paramount concern of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and government, the Ministry on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 adopted a digital innovation named ‘Passport Covid’ to strengthen its capacity in the fight against the global pandemic Passport Covid is a digital identity assigns to each citizen a status among six (6) values (Positive, Negative, Cured, Pending Result, expired test, to be Repeated) through USSD technology—a standard for transmitting information over GSM signaling channels. It is also accessible on all categories of phones (Android, iOS and a web portal) and can be integrated with all mobile operators. The application does not record the movements of the phone and therefore, respects the privacy of its users.

While adopting the solution at the Ministry, Liberia’s Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah called on Liberians to take advantage of the process to get quick access to their result.

“we are adopting this new exercise so as to allow people access their own information when it is released”, she disclosed.  Minister Jallah encourages users of the solution to dial *303# in order to access their test results without physical contact: “Now, the Liberian population can access the USSD code by dialing *303# to benefit from the services offered by the application to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Liberia Dr. Jallah expressed thanks to partners, including Zero Poor Africa, MTN, Orange and Healthcare Federation of Liberia for their contribution towards the success of the project.

In remarks, Banki Technology SAS CEO, Mamadou Bah, said the new solution can detect automatic notification of suspected cases, and trace people checked at the dams: “This is meant to trace people who want to bypass the system.”

The digital innovation offers to the Ministry by a Guinean IT company (Banki Technology SAS), facilitates the rendering of COVID-19 test results, eliminates the risk of falsification of test results or travel documents as well as enforces controls at the level of the sanitary at the various borders. It also locates screening and care centers, and provides statistics

Signed: _________________________________________________

                Felecia Gbesioh

Director of Communications

MOH, USAID Sign US$6.1m FARA Supported Project

(June 30, 2020, Monrovia, Liberia)The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at boosting quality health care delivery in six (6) counties. The beneficiary counties are: Nimba, Bong, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and River Gee.

The signing of the MOU was made under the Fixed Amount Reimbursement Agreement (FARA) of the MOH where it gets support for the implementation of the government’s 10 year National Health Policy and Plan.

Under the US$6.1 agreement, USAID will reimburse the government for the cost of implementing components of the Essential Package of Health Services that support family planning, maternal and child health and malaria prevention and treatment.

Speaking at the signing of the MOU on Monday, June 29, 2020 between the County Health Officers (CHOs) of the six counties, the Minister of Health Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah called on the CHOs to work diligently to ensure that resources are managed properly to boost quality health delivery in their respective counties. 

She noted that transparency and accountability are the bedrock of the FARA program and expressed hope that the remaining counties are included in the near future.

The Liberian Health Minister plea with the USAID for the continuation of project in the Country, which she said has made significant impact in the Country’s health system.

However, she pledged President George Manneh Weah’s willingness to working with USAID and other friendly partners for the common good of the Liberian people.

Earlier, Jessica Healey, USAID Health Representative, who chatted via video call, thanked the MOH team for the tremendous work in making the partnership a success and pledged USAID’s commitment to the project.

Madam Handley praised the six counties for the implementation of US$6.2 million which was signed last year June and expressed anticipation of  effectuated performances.

.In addition to reimbursement, she noted that USAID gives different technical assistance including a small financial package that the county health team can apply for to address some challenges encountered in the implementation process.

In separate remarks, CHOs of the six beneficiary counties thanked USAID and the MOH for the continuation of the project and pledged to do all for its successful implementation.

Signed: _______________________________________

           Felecia Gbesioh

           Director of Communication, MOH

COVID-19 Incident Management System Begins Counties’ Tour

(July 2, 2020, Monrovia, Liberia)—The Coronavirus Incident Management System (IMS) has begun strategic counties Tour aimed at engaging counties’ leadership for their rapid response and involvement in the fight against the COVID-19, which has paralyzed global health system.

According to a release from the IMS, the engagement with Counties political leaders is geared towards insuring their involvement in the response and coordination with the incident command structure at all counties’ level.

The orientation meeting which was held in the port city of Buchanan over the weekend gathered political stakeholders, including Representatives, County Health Officers (CHTs) County Superintends, and members of the joint Security from River Cess and Grand Bassa Counties.

Explaining the importance of the tour more to the MoHTv, Mr. Abraham Nyenswah, Public Health Emergency Operation Center (PHEOC) Manager said the orientation meeting was meant to abreast political stakeholders with their roles and responsibilities.

The Manager said when stakeholders in the country are orientated with IMS’ command; they will take rightful decision in the enforcement of masks wearing and other preventive measures in order to curtail the sporadic spread of the virus.

The release noted that, as a way of building coordination and corporation between both the IMS and stakeholders, the meeting provided fundamental principles of incident management to be used as guidance for their respective command.

When it comes to discharging function in the IMS, Mr Nyenswah disclosed that decisions are made through the incident command system—not only a single institution including the County Health Team or Internal Affairs Ministry can take action without consultation with the body.

Mr Nyenswah has appealed to political leaders to make use of the needed resources available and trust the technicians for the full implementation of the IMS, and at the same time urged all political leaders to collectively work together in the interest of the state.

For his part, River Cess COVID-19 Incident command System Head, Dr. Joseph Topoe discouraged the existence of COVID-19 vaccine, terming it as a “myth”.

“People should not believe that there is a vaccine or cure for this virus. This is just a complete myth. No one should lie to you that there exists any vaccine of the virus,’’ he stressed.

Description: C:\Users\User\Desktop\INCIDENT MANAGEMENT PHOTO\IMG_5998.JPG
PHECO Manager Abraham Nyenswah addressing participants in Buchanan City

Since vaccine for the virus has not been officially discovered, there is a need for the taskforce and CHTs to work together in dispersing the myth concerning immunization. Saying “these are challenges face by the counties health teams on a daily basis concerning the discovering of the COVID-19 vaccine”. 

Making special statement on behalf of the political stakeholders, Grand Bassa County Superintendent for Development, Hon. Flee A. Glay thanked IMS for the meeting and asked the team to always invite stakeholders to such orientation for the dissemination of Coronavirus awareness messages to the Liberian populace.

He called on political stakeholders as well as all well-meaning Liberians to corporate with health authority in order to contain the spread of the virus.  

The IMS is a standard approach is used in large and small-scale incidents throughout the globe. The MoH and partners adopted the IMS principles in managing their responses to public health emergencies, which in addition to the command, operations, logistics, planning, and finance/administrative functions, also includes scientific/public health response roles.

Signed:_____________________________________

           Felecia Gbesioh

      Director of Communications

Contact: 0886-581-787/0770-259-623/ fezo2g8@yahoo.com

Saar Insurance Company Makes Donation To The Ministry Of Health

The Saar Insurance Company makes a donation of fifty thousand united states dollars ( $ 50.00 USD) to the ministry of health as an effort in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Making the presentation at the head quarter of the Ministry of Health in the oldest Congo town Mr. Philip T. Cooper Branch Manager / Acting CEO said, the donation is just a minimum amount to buttress the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute effort in the fight against the deadly coronavirus disease.

According to Mr Cooper, the above mentioned amount has already been deposited in government COVID-19 response account. He added by acknowledging the effort made by government despite the constraint its faces and said the that company is concern about the well-being and safety of health workers who are on the frontline around the country in the COVID-19 fight.

Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah in a remark appreciated Saar insurance company for the generous donation and said the money came just in time when the ministry needed it the most. The minister used the occasion to caution insure and uninsured staff not to treat themselves before coming to the ministry, such people could be suppressing the symptoms of COVID- 19 thus  endangering the lives of others but to immediately engage the ministry.

Meanwhile, face masks is being sold for hundred Liberian dollars ( $ 100.00) and every citizens should take advantage of the situation and buy one in  order to stay save.

The minister applauds the media for the timely and accurate reporting. She also cautioned community dwellers not to be afraid that COVID -19 is easy to contract and easy to be cure.

ECOWAS Donates Consignment of Medicines and Essential Medical Equipment to The Ministry of Health

The Economy Community of West African State (ECOWAS) through West Africa Health Organization (WAHO) have donated a consignment of medicine and other medical items to the Ministry of Health to be use in the fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The donation was made at the Ministry of Health compound in the oldest Congo town by ECOWAS Ambassador. Babatunde Olanrewaju Ajisomo.

During the donation ceremony the Special Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission to Liberia said, the supplies are gift from the heart of  ECOWAS chief of authority and WAHO the specialized health institution that have been playing a coordinating role to the ministry and all health ministries within the sub-region.

According to Ambassador Ajisomo, the donation of the medical supplies to the government of Liberia, and all ECOWAS states within the region is to combat the spread of the deadly Coronavirus disease which has since become a global pandemic.

The items donated by the ECOWAS Ambassador include; Azithromycin, Chloroquin phosphate, personal protective equipment (PPE) among others.

Ambassador Ajisomo further noted that the move of WAHO to donate the items was prompted by ECOWAS mandate which seek to promote the well-being of the people of its communities as such ECOWAS will do everything in its reach to prevent member states from becoming a high burden and inflated region.

However, Mr. Ajisomo maintained that WAHO is working very hard to ensure that member states that are low burden with the virus does not become high burden countries until the virus is  terminated.

The ECOWAS Ambassador also called on Liberians and residents of all ECOWAS member states to go for testing and adhere to the health protocol as provided by the government.

The Minister of health Dr. Wilhelmina  Jallah receiving the items extended thanks and appreciation to the ambassador of ECOWAS and WAHO on behalf of President George Manneh Weah whom she believed has been an active participant in helping to gather these drugs and medical supplies to the people of Liberia.

According to Minister Jallah , WAHO have been showing its significance to the people of Liberia through difficult and trying times- in war, in human capacity building, in information sharing , and many other good works.

She further assured ambassador Ajisomo that the donation received will be turn over to the Case Management team as the lead in the fight to curb the spread of the virus in the country.

Meanwhile, Minister Jallah used the occasion to caution citizens who are afraid to seek treatment at health facilities and are going to smaller drugs store, praying bands, traditional herbalist, and other places should desist.

Dr. Jallah noted that most people often sit and allow the situation to get  worse before seeking proper medical attention at which time according to Minister Jallah is most often too late.

The minister further stressed that the disease is not like Ebola. “This other sickness comes with coughing, sneezing, bitter taste, stuffy nose, and difficulties in breathing which is the last state and many people will wait up to this point before rushing to the testing center or nearest health facilities”, she said.

 The minister on the other hand, frowned at healthcare workers that are refusing to tend to ordinary patients who have gone to seek medical attention at health facilities.

Meanwhile, Minister Wilhelmina Jallah inclosing also added that people should observe the social distancing protocol because, there have been series of reports from the media about communities transmission received by POC due to smaller communities gathering.  

World Bank have donated two Buses to the University of Liberia Medical School of Pharmacist.

In opening remarks, Minister Wilhelmina Jallah used the occasion to thank the World Bank and welcome participating institutions and organizations partnering with the ministry of health in achieving a resilient health care system within the country. She in her presentation indicated that the buses were in fulfillment of the World Bank promised a year ago based on the request by students of the medical school and the school of pharmacy at the University of Liberia.

According to Dr Jallah, the Bank has been supportive in the Health Work Force program which is one of the key pillars of the ministry of health investment plan for resilient health system. She stated further, that the Bank has also provided immense support for infrastructure development and has since supported the A.M Dogliotti School of medicine with preclinical faculties in 2017 as well as given support for associate Dean Position.

The minister said that most of the support has ended and she’s hopeful that the program would start again. She however disclosed that the buses will be used to transport students and staffs commuting between fendell campus, sinkor and Congo town respectively.

Representing the World Bank during the ceremony was Dr Khwima Nthara country manager World Bank Liberia. Dr Nthara said, he sees the donation as a milestone that would boost Liberia’s health care delivery system. He also acknowledged that Liberia, like any African country is facing challenges in managing its health system. He however lauded the ministry of health and A.M Dogliotti College of medicine for their level of professionalism exhibited in handing over the two new vehicles. According to Dr Nthara, the World Bank provided initial support of US$2.45m to finance construction of two state of the art and fully furnished 48-bed dormitories, 2 furnished classrooms and one skilled laboratory, which was aimed at strengthening the learning environment of the college and to also enhance the health workforce and contribute to the improvement of health care services in Liberia.

Dr Nthara then added that the support was in response to findings conducted by the ministry of health in 2015, whose results revealed the poor leaning environment and living conditions that contributed to low enrollment and high attrition of medical students. Meanwhile, the findings also revealed the following:

  • Unsuitable electricity and internet
  • The lack of a skilled lab to learn through hands-on practice; and
  • Overcrowded dormitories with no desks or tables for studying

Still on the findings, 18 students were housed in each 3- bedrooms apartment, with 6 students sharing a bedroom, and all 18 students sharing one bathroom with no running water. Dr Nthara than concluded by saying that he’s of the conviction that the new dormitory and skilled laboratory project commissioned on December 20, 2018 to address those bottlenecks was conceived. He appealed to the college and the ministry to ensure proper maintenance of the vehicles.

Also representing the university of Liberia at the occasion was Dr Moses Zinnah vice president for academic affair who proxy for the president of the university of Liberia Dr J Sarwolo Nelson jr.  Dr Zinnah in remarks begun by appreciating the World Bank  and the ministry of health for procuring the vehicles for the medical school and the school of pharmacy.

 He said the students and faculties would be required to move between Monrovia, fendell campus for classes and JFK hospital for teaching, learning, and clinical rotation. Dr Zinnah outlined impeding circumstances that have challenged the medical institution ranging from economic to political turmoil   and disease outbreak which have jeopardized the school very existence. He extended appreciation to heroic faculties who have stood the test of time in this difficult period.

Moderating the occasion was Mr. Matthew T.K.Flomo Wolrd Bank project manager ministry of health. Mr Flomo who also gives the vote of thanks for the program said “the buses were procured by the ministry of health and funded by the World Bank through the Ebola response and emergency project. This is simply the result of the fulfillment of a promised made by the outgone regional director of the World Bank for Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone Dr Henry K. Enririen in December 2018, with an appeal from the University of Liberia”.

According to Mr Flomo, the monetary value of the two buses is one hundred twenty one thousand including one year insurance benefit (US$121,000.00).

Ministry of Health Graduates Obstetric and Neonatal Clinicians Today

Health Ministry graduated 11 obstetric and neonatal clinicians at its HQ in Congo town today through the family health division unit.

On behalf of the ministry at the opening ceremony Dr. Catherine T. Cooper assistant minister for curative services  made the welcoming remarks .Dr Cooper said ‘’the ministry of health is truly honor  to be hosting this graduation today because we are seeing this graduating class as  another millstone in our fight against maternal mortality’’. She further went on to appreciate the partners for standing with the ministry in these perilous times.

Meanwhile, speaking and giving some brief historical information of the organization Maternal and Child Health Advocacy International (MCAI) was Mr. Emmanuel D. Hne an obstetric clinician. Mr. Hne said that the organization maternal and child health advocacy international (MCAI)  aim is to save and improve the lives of seriously ill pregnant women ,babies and children in low resource countries , a charitable organization that was founded since 1995. Initially, MCAI was called child advocacy international (CAI) which changed her name to MCAI in 2019. The organization has worked with 11 countries and was relocated from England 2012 to Scotland. Providing additional information on the organization functions, professor David Southall Honorary Medical Director, said this world does has human right implication and that this program only works in the public health system not the private system. It doesn’t mean that they are not working with the private system he maintained. He also stated that the real essence of this work is to look after the poorest people who cannot afford hospital or clinical funds.

Closing the program was the deputy minister for administration Norwu G. Howard  said our training  midwife has successfully performed several functions with very minimum mortality, neonatal care has been put on charged and  group of staffs that you can actually  count on and that will contribute significantly to the reduction in our neonatal motility rate in our country .she strongly believe that if the right people are giving the skills, knowledge ,and tools to performs a task, and if appropriate steps are taken for all procedures and  supervisors who do the jobs for which they signed up for which is to mentor,  coach , and supervise the system will get its intended results .This program have trained staffs on the use of new skills of performing surgery. Madam Howard cautioned teachers and maintained that they must provide path way to evaluate pain, provide path way to follow for the use of pain medication every time a drug is used. She emphasized the need to develop a registry that would be monitored closely having the inclusion of clinical details and photos of pregnant women before and after their delivery of visitation.