(June 29, 2022, Paynesville, Monrovia, Liberia)—as part of efforts to reduce maternal newborn health and increase child nutrition, the Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with its local and international partners on June 29, 2022 concluded a two-day national conference across the nation—the conference was held in each of the 15 political sub-division of the country.
During the conference, participants brainstormed and shared knowledge including challenges as well as reflected on issues, ranging from maternal newborn health and mortality to child health and nutrition services and the dynamics in the provision of quality healthcare delivery in Liberia.
For Montserrado County, the conference was held at the Paynesville Town Hall, from June 28 to 29, 2022, under the theme: “Invest in Maternal Newborn Health and Nutrition, To Reduce Maternal and Newborn Death in Liberia.”
Dr. Jallah during a brief remark, applauded the CHT and local leaders. “This conference is being held across the 15 Counties in Liberia. The entire indicator is multi-sectorial approach, nutrition, child health, pregnancy and all that stimulates health. “Exclusive breastfeeding remains critical, “said Minister Jallah.
She said every health professional has to be responsible in the discharged of their deities because health matters, stressing the need for everyone to go back in their various communities to promote health matters. Dr. Jallah use the occasion to commend the CHO and her team for the level of cooperation thus far.
Dr. Yatta S. Wapoe, County Health Officer of Montserrado County, who made opening remarks at the kickoff, told health workers that the objective of the conference was also aimed at reducing maternal morbidity and mortality (MMR) as well reduce infant morbidity and mortality.
Giving statistics on various health facilities in Montserrado during the conference, Nancy T. Bonner, said the county has the population of approximately 1.4million and it has 374 health facilities. These facilities according to her, play a critical role in reducing maternal newborn health in the health sector.
And out of the number, 62 are public health facilities, while 312 are private owned facilities; of that number, 11 hospitals, while 28 health facilities as well as 335 clinics, as such she told Minister Jallah that the Ministry has lot to do in the county.
Madam Bonner, however, clarified that Montserrado County has only 5 functional maternal waiting homes that are situated in rural Montserrado, specifically in Todde, St. Paul and Careysburg districts.
Notwithstanding, the conference was also meant to discuss the issues of reducing under 5 morbidity and mortality. According to Dr. Wapoe, the conference focused on promoting adolescent health and nutrition and to control reproductive tract infection and sexually transmitted infections.
At the end of the conference at least five (5) health workers were honored by the Montserrado County Health Team through the Ministry of Health for their service rendered over the years. The awards was however given according to categories, and these honorees include: Mrs. Debbie W. Kwashie, Best Performing Certified Midwifery (CM)-Argthington Clinic, Mary T. Kwiwalazu Best Performing Officer In Charge (OIC) Goba Town Clinic, Beatrice Boimah best performing Vaccinator- Duport Road Health Center, Emily Williams- best performing Community Health Assistant (CHA) – Careysburg, and Francis Cole Traditional Trained Midwifery (TTM) – Johnsonville Clinic.
The event, however, brought together the Montserrado County Health Team (MCHT), Community Health Assistant (CHA), and other health practitioners from Montserrado County.
Signed:______________________________
Felecia Gbesioh
Director of Communications, MOH/RL