Health Ministry ends conference to Combat Maternal and Neonatal Mortalities

April 28, 2025

Monrovia: The Ministry of Health has concluded a three-day National Health Summit intended to combat maternal and neonatal mortalities in Liberia.

Liberia as a country has faced a significant challenge with maternal mortality, one of the highest in the world, with a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 1,072 deaths per 100,000 live births which is partly due to a history of instability and conflict, couple with the 14-years civil war and the Ebola epidemic which disrupted health infrastructure and service delivery.

The three-day Health summit, from April 25-27 with theme “Unlocking the Potential for Improved Health Outcomes brought together stakeholders from across the nation to confront long-standing challenges in the health system.

 Speaking at the program, Health Minister, Dr. Kpoto, affirmed that  “Every maternal death is a tragedy, and every newborn lost is a future unrealized” calling on all stakeholders to embrace a unified vision for action saying “We must be guided by three core principles of equity, quality, and accountability, no woman or child should be left behind.”

She further disclosed that a dedicated data floor will be established at the Ministry of Health for real-time tracking, “We are not just talking anymore, we are now moving towards implementation.”

Deputy Minister for Administration, Hon. Martha C. Morris, echoed the need for urgency and collaboration. “This summit provides a platform for evidence-based solutions and actionable strategies Let this be a turning point where partnerships lead to real change in our health system,” she said.

Emphasizing on setting the tone for a series of high-level interventions expected to yield a national “Call to Action” document.  Meanwhile Montserrado County Health Officer, Dr. Jewel T. Kollie, reinforced the summit’s theme by highlighting service gaps. “We must invest in young infrastructure and the training of health professionals,” she said. “Maternal and newborn health cannot be improved in isolation. We must build a stronger foundation, beginning with the frontlines.” Also addressing the summit Montserrado County Superintendent, Hon. Whroway Bryant, stressed on the importance of responsibility at every level of governance. “This is not just a health issue it’s a governance issue and we must have Clear lines of accountability and resource coordination are essential if we are to see improvement,” Bryant added In the Keynote address, Dr. Moses Massaquoi, CHAL’s Country Director, presented a data-driven perspective on Liberia’s maternal health indicators. Between 2019 and 2020, maternal mortality remained critically high.

 “We must fast-track equity funds and improve infrastructure in rural areas,” he said calling on the private sector to contribute expertise and resources. “This is a national emergency, and everyone has a role to play.”

In remarks Dr. Olushayo Olu, W.R.A.I, WHO-LIBERIA, extended gratitude to the President of Liberia, Minister of Health and team for the significant improvement in the health sector. He also made a few “call to action” which is to invest more in maternal newborn healthcare services, expand equitable access to good quality healthcare that will ensure women’s and children’s rights are protected and respected, and Social and economic factors reaffirming partner’s commitment to enhancing quality healthcare services in Liberia.

Also at the conference, the Ministry of Health awarded a few healthcare facilities and counties for their tremendous efforts in ensuring a proper healthcare system.