Dr. Jallah Praises Partners, Liberians for Collective Fight Against COVID-19

Liberian Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah has praised local and International partners as well as Liberians for being corporative and supportive in the fight against the fatal Coronavirus since its outbreak early this year. “The Cordial Corporation and support from both our local and international partners as well as our citizens have heightened collective front in the combat against the virus,” Dr. Jallah praised.

The Minister asserted during a turnover ceremony of a huge medicine consignment donated by Partners in Health (PIH) to the Ministry Health on Monday, October 5, 2020, at the Ministry in Oldest Congo Town. The approximately US$5000.00 worth of medical supplies includes Tubes, Microcentrifuge, pipette tips, filters, pre-sterilized screw cap tubes, among others. These items will be taken to the Central Medicines Store (CMS) for onward distribution to various Government’s health facilities across the Country.

Acknowledging the numerous contributions made by PIH in three of the Country’s fifteen counties to buttress government’s efforts in providing accessible and quality health delivery for all, which is also enshrined in PIH’s manifestos, Dr. Jallah said: “On behalf of the President, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah and the entire Incident Management System (IMS), we want to extend our profound gratitude to Partners In Health (PIM) for its assiduous and unremitting partnership with the Republic of Liberia, especially the works they are doing in Maryland, Grand Gedeh and Montserrado Counties, respectively. we are happy that you have identified with us once more, and we hope that you continue this collaboration and corporation so that we can make Liberia’s health system better.”

If the country is to be declared free of Coronavirus pandemic, the Health Minister believes it needs more consolidated efforts from the public, despite the uncomfortable conditions associated with the health protocols instituted by the Government. These are all startling measures that are associated with this pandemic which the public should continue to abide by for their safety and the safety of others. Let’s keep following all of the preventive measures being instituted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Liberian government, the Ministry’s statement quoted Dr. Jallah.

The Minister used the occasion to also thank the PIH for the donation and emphasized the importance for others to follow suit; to enhance government efforts to provide accessibly and quality health delivery for the Liberian populace, which is a primary goal of the Ministry.    

 Earlier, Partners In Health Director of Policy and Partnership Ashley Damewood, while handing over the donation to the Ministry, extolled Dr. Jallah for her shrewd leadership role-play during these difficult times logged in the history of the Country. “Minister Jallah, on behalf of Partners In Health’s leadership team, I want to appreciate you for your tireless contribution to serving the people of Liberia. We are so grateful for the continued partnership, and I am proud to present this on behalf of my team. Thank you again for your strong leadership in these difficult times,” she added.

Ashley Damewood said: “We are striving to establish a model campaign for Universal Health coverage—which means we should be able to reach every patient, every case, and contact. And the key to our strategy is helping the Ministry diagnose testing, and we have brought some critical supplies that are needed at the national Reference Lab. It is also our way of contributing and participating in the IMS structure. We worked with our global teams to mobilize these resources, and I hope that this will enhance cordial testing to prevent transmission of Covid-19 in Liberia.” 

The PIH’s donation is aimed at supporting the Incident Management System’s pillars in most testing strategy which will enhance diagnostic and general contact tracing across the country.

Signed:_______________________________________________

Felecia Gbesioh

Director of Communication

 

Health Ministry Receives Huge Medical Consignment from Orange-Liberia to Boost COVID-19 Fight

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has received a donation of huge medical consignments and other accessories from Orange Liberia to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The items which include hand gloves, PPEs, face shield, and nose masks coupled with some essential medical supplies were presented on Monday, September 28, 2020, at the Health Ministry

Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah, receiving the items on behalf of the government and her Ministry said, the donation will help boost the country’s fight against this deadly Coronavirus pandemic.

“These donation came at the appropriate time when we are in the middle of the fight. As we are into the COVID-19 major fight, these materials will help in the combat against the deadly virus. These supplies will also be used during the treatment of other diseases, even if COVID is eradicated from the Country”, Dr. Jallah indicated.

The energetic Minister, on behalf of President George Manneh Weah and the government, used the occasion to thank Orange-Liberia for its continuous commitment to reaching out to the Ministry in these critical times.

“on behalf our President Dr. George Manneh Weah, who is leading in this COVID fight—because of his leadership we are here today—and the entire IMS team: the NPHIL, Ministry of health, partners and all of the health care workers around the country who have been participating in the fight against COVID, we want to say a big thank to orange Liberia for these donation.  We are going to follow up to ensure that these donation reach the beneficiaries”, she assured. Presenting the donation to the Ministry was Sara Elizabeth Buchanan, Director of CSP and Internet Communication at Orange-Liberia. She said since the outbreak of the pandemic, the Mobile Company stepped up to respond to the fight against the virus in the Country, naming the 14 Military Hospital, JFK and the Redemption Hospital as beneficiaries to their goodwill.

“As you may be aware, this is not the first time to have orange Liberia come with such donation. when the 14 Military hospital was firstly setup, we were one of the first to show our partnership with the Ministry of health and the republic of Liberia, telling the Country that we are here for the Liberian people, and we are here to help with what our people need during this curious period”,

The approximately 60,000 euros’ worth of medical supplies she said, was made available by orange Liberia in association with orange foundation.

Earlier, Minister Norwu Howard, Deputy Minister for Administration, stated that the supplies will prevent healthcare workers from contracting infection and other diseases.

“The world in which we live today is such that if we don’t prevent ourselves from infection, it would be unhealthy for us. So as health technicians and clinicians we need to follow the use of universal precautionary measure in our everyday life. “This donation will enable our precious health care workers out there to keep safe from contracting any infectious diseases. And this will also make them brave in performing their respective duty, as they continue to collect simples until we can be we can be able to reach the point where Liberia can be declared COVID-19 free,” DMA Howard said.

Pharmacists Celebrate World Pharmacists Day

Pharmacists across the country converged at the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Friday, September 25, 2020, to Joined ranks with millions of pharmacists globally to celebrate World Pharmacists Day, this year themed “Transforming Global.”

The annual day is used to highlight the value of the pharmacy profession to stakeholders and to celebrate pharmacy globally. It was originally adopted in 2009 at the World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Every year on September 25th, pharmacists around the globe celebrate World Pharmacists Day. This day focuses on the role pharmacists play in improving health on a global scale.

Speaking during the celebration, Liberian Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah narrated that immediately when she ascended at the helm of the Ministry, the Pharmaceutical Department was firstly engaged by her team in order to improve the sector, something she had envisaged in the private sector.

“We firstly invited the Department’s heads to a meeting to keep the system workable, because providing accessible and quality health delivery is something we had envisioned while in the private sector. Thereafter, we also engaged all of our pharmacists across the Country. This strategy was intended to bring all of our professional pharmacists together, so we can collectively work in unison, resulting to this mammoth gathering of pharmacists who travelled from all works of live to congregate here today.

“I believe they are very importance in our society: pharmacists use their broad knowledge and unique expertise to ensure that people get the best from their medicines. We ensure access to medicines and their appropriate use, improve adherence, coordinate care transitions and so much more,” she told the gathering

Meanwhile, Dr. Jallah believes pharmacists working and holding together is the best solution to eradicating the selling of drugs in street corners in the country, emphasizing “We can do a lot of things if we can work and hold together as a team. People go to a pharmacy and get anything they want of their choice which is bad for our society. All of these things are causing problems for us. However, drugs that are sole in buckets have gone partially, but yet some are still around.”

Lamenting on the ongoing saga with health workers’ refusal to return to work due to salary increment and ambiguous demands, the energetic Minister said the Ministry is still concerned but negotiation and dialogue are the best solutions to addressing their plights.

“People just think we are not concerned about the health care workers’ demands; we are concerned. what I think happening here is we cannot just address all of the issues as once. They (health Workers) are important to us because when you are sick it is their responsibility to take care of you.

“Remember, sickness has no border. Therefore, dialoguing and negotiating with them will give us all a long way. We are here to take care of the people.  This is a responsibility that has been given to us,” she noted

Meanwhile, on behalf of the Government of H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah and the great people of Liberia she extended unflinching thanks and appreciation to the Pharmaceutical Association of Liberia (PAL) as well as partners for always working with the Ministry. Minister Jallah at the same time encouraged the Association to continue on its good footing for the betterment of the Country’s health Sector.

Earlier was the Keynote Speaker of the day Dr. Clement Lugala, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Liberia, who believes the role of Pharmacists in the health sector is beyond the product-oriented fashion of medicines and distribution. According to the WHO’s Representative, Pharmacists should seek the interest of their patients and at the same time, build a workable relationship with them in order to meet their professional goals.

“The role of Pharmacists is transforming beyond the product-oriented fashion of medicine and distributing drugs. We must build a relationship with patients; we must listen to them; it is the services we provide to the patients. However, when it comes to pharmacists, you probably think of the person behind the counter that fills your prescription. These pharmacists work long hours, usually standing the entire time. Along with dispensing pills and providing advice on medications, pharmacists also administer immunizations. Pharmacists who conduct research discover and test new medications.

“No matter what capacity pharmacists work in; they are considered medicine experts. These experts have considerable responsibility in health care. It’s up to them to ensure that medicine is effective and safe. Besides knowing about each type of medication, they must know about the different forms it comes in. There are liquids, tablets, capsules, topical medicines, drops, inhalers, and injections. They must also know how different medications react with one another. No wonder it takes eight years of college to become a pharmacist!” he indicated.

However, he used the occasion to call on health practitioners and scientists to embark on manufacturing medication so as to curtail the imputation of drugs on the African continent: “Africa is spending a lot on drugs imputation instead of manufacturing. We have the capacity here. The opportunity of the African Medicine Agency can be a game-changer if we stand up.”

Notwithstanding, Dr. Lugala said transforming the global health agenda will not be achieved fully “if we cannot define the role of the pharmacists, so pharmacists can contribute to key global health areas across different levels; and they must be enabled to serve in these capacities. They need to be facilitated if our pharmacists are to play a role in ECOWAS”.

According to him, Pharmacists can help to reduce the health disparity and achieve health for all if the needed opportunity is given: “if the need opportunity is given to our pharmacists, they will help to reduce the health disparity and achieve health for all…because they are there wherever we talk about access to drugs—even in our own planning and development agenda.”

He proposed for the Pharmaceutical workforce to be “fundamental in our Country, including Liberia can achieve universal health coverage, health security, and the sustainable development goal by 2030.”

Finally, Dr. Lugala, “in addition to safe handling and administration of medications, providing personalized and individualized care for patients is important to ensuring that they’re on the correct medication, at the correct dose, and taking it when appropriate”.

MOH Receives 391 Two-way Radios from Last Miles Health

In an effort to effectuate and increase access to communication in the Health Sector as well as sustainable access to information dissemination, the Ministry of Health has received huge donation of 391 pieces of two-way radios from Last Miles Health.

According to a statement from the Ministry, the items were donated over the weekend at the Ministry in Congo Town. The pieces of radios are expected to be distributed in order to better improve access to stable and sustainable communication and respond to situation at various levels of the health sector. It will, besides, enhance and influence the Ministry’s decision making at certain strategic levels, especially when it comes to drugs distribution and supervision.

The two-way secured digital radios have the capacity to make available long-distance communication with GPS tracking capabilities and video analytics for on and off-premise security. The value is put at approximately US$155,000.00

However, making a statement during the donation, Ministry of Health Deputy Minister for Administration (DMA) Norwu Howard asserted that communication has the power to either make or break an organization. “In my career, one of the most important tools is the tool of communication—it has the power to make or break an organization.

“And, I think in these times as we should adjust to the new manner—because if it is not COVID today, it’s going be to another infection, or it going to be another disaster. I think the tools of communication that we have now will help a long way in making sure that we as a ministry know what is going on; we as a ministry can communicate to people who need information; We as a health sector and a country can use the tools of communication to not only talk about the good things that are happening in the Ministry but also things that are happening in the public which are health related,” she noted.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Health boss has praised the Communication Department of the Ministry for consistently and rapidly uploading news contents on the Ministry’s website, which has promoted the Ministry’s activities both locally and internationally.

“The Department of Communication has done a great job in uploading news contents to various platforms of the Ministry, especially the website,” she praised.

In a special statement, Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah narrated that the donation came following a request to Last Miles Health to purchase some sets of radios that would be used to enhance effective communication at various levels.

“Whenever things happen in other parts of the country and it communicated to us, with this donation being made to us, we can move in to intervene immediately. However, one of our biggest networks that will use this donation is the supply chain.”

According to her, the radios will enhance routine services: “When we start distribution of the drugs to various counties across the country, these radios will monitor most of the activities. If anything happens on the way, somebody with the radio will immediately communicate it to us and we will move in. Even at the facility levels, our people will not struggle to communicate information to us. So, I think this is a very big milestone for us as a Ministry and people of this great republic.  Disseminating proper information to our people in the various facilities, I think it is very important.”

Dr. Jallah lauded Last Mile Health for the collaboration and at the same time cautioned beneficiaries of the supply to immediately communicate every necessary information to the Ministry for tracking, vowing to use the donation for the intended purpose.

MOH Receives Medical Consignments from WHO

(Monrovia, Liberia, September 2, 2020)—the Ministry of Health (MOH) has received medical consignments of Human Insulin and Glucagon for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus in the Country. The assorted medical supplies were donated by the World Health Organization on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, to help boost the fight against the noxious Coronavirus pandemic in the Country. Some victims of the virus suffer diabetes; therefore, the consignment will be sent to treatment units and other government medical facilities across the Country. 

Human insulin is the name that describes synthetic insulin which is laboratory grown to mimic the insulin in humans, and glucagon is a medication and hormone. As a medication, it is used to treat low blood sugar, beta-blocker overdose, calcium channel blocker overdose, and those with anaphylaxis who do not improve with epinephrine. 

Diabetes Mellitus (DM), commonly known as diabetes, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a high blood sugar level over a prolonged period. The unavailability of Insulin can lead to life complications as ketoacidosis, blindness, kidney failure, or heart attack.

The value of the consignments is put at approximately US$16,610.00 to be used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus in support of the COVID-19 strategic preparation and response plan (SPRP). 

This donation, accordingly, is part of WHO’s efforts to ensure increased access to essential health services, including improved and more equitable access to health products.

Receiving the items on behalf of the government of H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah and the National COVID­-19 Team, Liberian Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah thanked the World Health organization, AFRO, and partners for helping Liberia in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic since its outbreak in March. “On behalf of my president, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, I want to use this occasion to extend thanks and appreciation to WHO, AFRO, and partners for continuously supporting us throughout this fight.”

The Minister, who has been determined in the fight against the venomous Coronavirus, said that the PAR machine found in the package will be used by lab technicians for improving lab collection activities.

“These instruments are delivered for our diabetes patients—and it is also connected in line with those who’re venerable to COVID-19. The instruments will keep them and will keep their blood sugar normal. “We will distribute these instruments to various government facilities free of charge”, she vowed. 

However, the consignments will be sent to the Center Medical Store (CMS) for safekeeping before its onward distribution across the Country.

Meanwhile, the WHO Country Representative for Liberia, Dr. Peter Clement, has reaffirmed the World Health Body’s ceaseless support and Commitment to the George Weah-led government, particularly in the health sector.

While turning over the medical items to the Ministry, he said: “I am very happy to turn over these items to the government and the Ministry of Health. This donation is part of the WHO assignment’s effort in the health sector. It is a global distribution, but this is particularly for Liberia. We appreciate the strong partnership co-existence between the Liberian government and us. we are proud to be part of this endeavor—an unprecedented collaboration.”  

Health Ministry, Partners Conclude Free Surgical Outreach In Buchanan

(Buchanan City, Grand Bassa) The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Samaritan’s Purse in collaboration with New Sight Eye Center over the weekend concluded a free Medical and surgical outreach in the Port city of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, as a way of eradicating blindness among people in the Country.

The exercise which began on August 17 -28 at the Liberia Government Hospital Eye Center did not only attract patients within the County to the Eye Hospital but also gathered patients from surrounding counties of Grand Bassa, including Margibi, Rivercess, and Sinoe Counties. Patients who were booked outside of the port city of Buchanan were trucked by Samaritan Purse, enabling them free access to the facility.

According to the Ministry’s statement, the influx of patients—close to two thousand—was predicated upon massive awareness initially created by the Ministry and partners, who believe the lives of citizen matter.

The cost of the free medical and surgical eye operation which is put at around US$15,000.00 was funded by Samaritan’s Purse, while New Sight Eye Center served as an implementing partner. 

Making a brief statement on behalf of the government and the Ministry, Dr. Joseph Kerkulah, National Eye Health Program Director of MOH, said: “A total of 281 cases were booked; out of the number, 256 were cataracts while 25 were relatively inconsequential eye related cases.”

As a result of high sun rays which could hamper newly regained sight persons, Dr. Kerkulah said they have distributed marque new sunglasses among the patients to resist the sunray.

He, however, lauded Samaritan’s Purse and the New Sight Eye Center for unremittingly buttressing government’s efforts during these times of pandemic, and reassumed the government’s commitment and collaboration with partners to providing and delivering quality health services for all Liberians. “The Lion Club-Liberia is sponsoring about ten eye surgeons currently. Upon their graduation, they will be assigned to most of our hospitals across the Country to particularly treat patients with blindness,” he indicated.

The Ministry’s press statement further noted that most people who regained new sight were adults, constituting about 95% of the total number of patients who underwent the surgical operation.

“Now I can see people from distance—anywhere you stand I will see you”, Rufus K. Jomah, 73, explained following a successful surgical eye operation. “Firestone retired me because I did barely see people images as a truck driver, therefore I requested for retirement.” 

The surgical outreach ended with a program, with supporting and implementing partners using the occasion to appreciate the government for providing them the space to contribute to humanity, especially in the Country’s health sector.

Signed:__________________________________

Felecia Gbesioh

Director of Communication, MOH

Dr. Jallah Embarks On Inspection of Health Facilities

The Provision of quality healthcare delivery for all is something Liberian Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah has over the past years ensured its realization. The Minister who hits the ground running has instituted visitation to health facilities as a key strategy to ensuring that the best quality of healthcare is provided to patients amid the sporadic Coronavirus pandemic.

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To see this vision realize, Dr. Jallah on Thursday 13, 2020 embarked on inspection of health facilities in Margibi and Bong Counties respectively. The Minister’s surprised visit to both C.H. Rennie and Bong Mines Hospitals was intended to access the quality of service provided to patients, materials and drugs supplied given to health facilities are received and in stock. It was also meant to ensure necessary protection and safety for all healthcare workers.

Demystifying rumors of drugs shortage at various health facilities in the Country, the energetic Health Minister said the Ministry has always ensured drugs coupled with assorted medical supplies are available to government facilities for delivering of quality health services to the Liberian populace.

During the Minister’s stay at the C.H. Rennie hospital, she toured the facility ranging from ware house to pharmaceutical center to inspect the availability of drugs.

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“Thanks honorable Minister for taking the bold step thus far. We have all the supplies stable and in stock for now. Every supplies sent to us are managed properly. Secondly, we have enough drugs here,” Dr.  Myer Chea Pajibo, County Health Officer (CHO) of the C.H. Rennie Hospital, told Dr. Jallah during the inspection.

He assured the Minister and team of proper monitoring of consignments stored at the facility for its intended purposes.

He indicated that they have been given an active focal person both for the county and the hospital, who is responsible to address challenges face by health facilities to be speedily mitigated.

In response, Dr. Jallah urged the CHO and Medical Director in the Counties to properly disseminate information continuously to health workers across the county, warning that people should be held responsible and accountable for whatever assignment or job given them. 

Courtesy of MOH Communication Unit    

MOH Receives Oxygen Concentrators from WHO

following donation of ventilator worth US$699,500 to the Ministry of Health (MOH) by the World Bank recently to ensuring that Liberian “lives are safe by building the health system in the Country, the Ministry has again received, 21 pieces of Oxygen Concentrators from the World Health Organization (WHO) to support its Coronavirus response. The donation was made on Thursday, August 6, 2020 on the Ministry’s Compound in Congo Town, Monrovia.

An oxygen concentrator is a device that concentrates the oxygen from a gas supply (typically ambient air) by selectively removing nitrogen to supply an oxygen-enriched product gas stream. Two methods in common use are pressure swing adsorption and membrane gas separation.

The machines worth over US$14,280.00, using pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology will be used for oxygen provision in healthcare applications, especially where liquid or pressurized oxygen is too dangerous or inconvenient. Treatment units facing shortage of oxygen concentrators will now benefit from the supplies, according to the Ministry of Health’s press release. 

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Government, Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah thanked WHO for always coming to the aid of the Country, especially her Ministry in these critical and difficult times of the pandemic. “You have always been there for us in these critical and difficult times of the pandemic,” she stressed.

The energetic Health Minister said, with spread of the deadly coronavirus across the Country, the machines will be distributed among the fifteen political sub-division of the Country to boost the fight against the virus.

“Now, we are happy that these 21 pieces of machines are in country. These machines will be distributed among our fifteen political sub-division in order to enhance our fight against the virus”, she disclosed.

Earlier, delivering the machines to the Ministry, WHO Representative Liberia, Dr. Peter L. Clement, said the donation is the Health Body’s ways of contributing to Liberia’s COVID-19 response, saying “this donation is part of WHO support to Liberia’s COVID-19 response”.

The oxygen concentrator which takes in air and removes nitrogen from it, leaving an oxygen enriched gas for use by people requiring medical oxygen due to low oxygen levels in their blood, will enhance nurses and doctors’ work at various treatment units.

‘We Appreciate Your Gesture’

With recent wave of donations to the Ministry of Health (MOH) by both national and international organizations to pep talk its fight against the venomous Coronavirus pandemic that has engulfed the world and threatened global health, Liberian Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah has thanked Andrew Young Foundation and University Consortium for donating assorted medical supplies to the Ministry.

Andrew Young Foundation and University Consortium on Thursday, July 31, 2020, donated assorted medical consignment worth US$6,340.00 to the Ministry as their way of contributing towards the Country’s fight against the toxic virus.

Applauding the organizations for aiding the Ministry, Dr. Jallah said: Liberians in general have contributed immensely to the fight declare against the sporadic Coronavirus since its outbreak, which is a sign of patriotism. we appreciate your kind gesture! Your donations to the Ministry during this time of pandemic is a clear demonstration of patriotism and Nationalism,”

Since the Ministry last week embarked on drug supply across the fifteen Political Sub-division of the Country, the new medical consignment will be distributed to various treatment units throughout the Country in order to boost Coronavirus patient treatment.

In recent weeks, and even during this COVID-19 fight, Liberians as well as international partners have colossally contributed to the Ministry, something that has attracted the attention of the Health Minister.

Minister Jallah, who recounted precautionary and preventive measures earlier deployed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) to stamp out the virus, welcomed the Two humanitarian organizations for their timely intervention during these difficult periods.

Giving the importance of these predominant drugs (Selenase) stocked in the package, she explained: “Selenium is important for the body. The essential trace element protects organism from free radicals and is important for the thyroid gland. It improves the immune defense system and increases fecundity (productiveness). Selenium is involved in the activation of numerous enzymes.”

According to her, with the mineral found in the drugs, will help boost the immune system of people infected with the virus: “This drug also has mineral which is very key to fighting any virus, of which Coronavirus is of no exception. Correct dosing is key to achieving desired outcomes and preventing morbidity (disease) and mortality (death), but also varies across disease stages.”

At the same time, the Liberian Health Minister promised her Ministry’s willingness and readiness to go extra miles in heightening its responsibility to the people and to bring to an end the COVID-19 chapter.

MOH Launches National Nursing and Midwifery Policy and Plan for 2020-2025

The Ministry of Health (MoH) on July 23, 2020 officially launched the National Nursing and Midwifery policy and plan for 2020-2025 at the Ministry in Congo Town.

 “To contribute towards the achievement of the Ministry’s vision, this policy focuses on strengthening coordination, collaboration with the nursing and midwifery association, and health regulatory boards; and ensures the high quality of nursing and midwifery training practice. The Policy seeks to advocate for nurses and midwives employment and benefits on an equitable basis, strengthen the governance structure of the nursing and midwifery division and to continuously ensure quality of healthcare protocols and standards are adhered to by all Nurses and Midwives practicing in Liberia’’, the policy is quoted as saying.

According to the new health policy, this will further be enforced by the following principles: professionalism will be the hall mark of the National Nursing and Midwifery workforce compliance—implementation of the Nursing and Midwifery policy and plan will emphasize adherence to polices regulations, legislation, enforcement and local ordinances in the Republic of Liberia.

At the same time, the policy reiterates partnership and Coordination—broad based partnership at national county, district and community levels involving donors, NGOs, government agencies, private institutions and community will be forged in achieving the goal of this policy. A partnership coordination mechanism will be established to coordinate partners and advice on policy and technical issues and decentralization—the Ministry of Health ensures a systematic decentralization of Nursing and Midwifery activities in line with the MOH decentralization policy.

The Nursing and Midwifery Policy Document is to also offer legal and regulatory framework for Nurses and Midwives within the health sector and to create an enabling environment for Nurses and Midwives as well as the provision of quality health care delivery throughout the Republic of Liberia that is accessible to Situational Analysis: the situational analysis determined that Nurses and Midwives constitutes about 76% of the health workforce.

The practice of nursing and midwifery is committed to functional and collaboration relationship with other healthcare providers. Member of the profession share the responsibilities for leadership in the healthcare system, and are guided by ethical standards in the services to humanity. These professions determine the practice and control of their profession. With more than 70% of the health care providers being nurses and midwives, Liberia like all other countries in the world depends largely on them to run an effective and resilient healthcare system. The National health policy and plan (2007-2011, 2011-2021) further alluded to the need for skilled human resource as the backbone for a healthy and prosperous population. Therefore, in order to substantially improve the health status of the population, the Ministry of Health and partners led a participatory process of developing and establishing one holistic, evidence-based policy framework explicitly aimed at guiding decision makers through the next five years. The process included analyzing Nurses and Midwives situation in the Country.

The event, held under the theme, “Unlocking the Potential of Nurses and Midwives in Liberia”, brought together nurses, midwives as well as medical doctors.

In remarks, the keynote speaker of the launch, Elizabeth Sele Mulbah, who spoke on the occasion via zoom communication, stressed the need for a practical health culture that will appeal to the consciences of all Liberians and not health workers and professionals alone.

“If we must connect the power of evidence-based policy to achieve lasting change for everyone to have the chance to live as healthy a life as possible, we need public policy that will help to maximize access to quality and affordable health care, as well as create communities that are healthier and more inclusive in providing everyone with the opportunity to strive,” said Madam Mulbah.

She called on the Ministry and its employers to ensure that nurses and midwives in their employ carry current license. “Nurses and midwives, we need to set up a peer review committee to handle any and all discrepancies among us. Serve as a sounding board and bring colleagues to book whenever necessary.”

The former Vice-Chair of the Governance Commission added that if we are to benefit from continuing education, needs assessment is a must. Sending a nurse or midwife to a skills training workshop when his or her need is attitudinal change, becomes a waste of time and money.

“Achieving health for all will depend on sufficient numbers of well-trained and educated, regulated and well-supported nurses and midwives, who receive pay and recognition commensurate with the services and quality of care that they provide,” she said.

She noted that in order to have well equipped nurses and midwives, the government and partners must support nurses and midwives.  The report of the UN High-Level Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth concluded that investments in education and job creation in the health and social sectors result in a triple return of improved health outcomes, global health security, and inclusive economic growth.

“We should come together to present a comprehensive budget to the government through the MOH each year, and only then would the left hand knows what the right hand is doing or receiving to assist each other in our training areas because we are a team, we can learn from each other and our patients will be better off”, she recommended.

Madam Mulbah urged nurses and midwives to remain composed as the current situation will not remain the same always.

Placing emphases on the selection of the Chief launcher of the occasion, Norwu Howard Deputy Health Minister for Administration indicated that madam Mulbah sees herself as one of the privileged few, with the challenges and responsibilities to promote the advancement of more women and girls in Liberia.

“She thinks women leaders are only given the opportunity to bring out their leadership quality that has been silent for years by culture and tradition; that women should not make the Mistakes by thinking they can do it alone—we must join men to work together as a team.

“Her perception for Liberia’s growth and development is something she would like to see emphases being placed on by building the capacity of the citizens and advancement in education, Health, food production and infrastructure, especially roads,” she disclosed.