HEALTH MINISTRY INTENSIFIES MATERNAL HEALTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN SAYS “NO MOTHER SHOULD DIE WHILE GIVING BIRTH”

 April 8, 2025

By Lazota Bility

Bentol, Montserrado:  As part of efforts to reduce maternal and newborn deaths, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO), has intensified its maternal health awareness campaign across Liberia.

The campaign is under the theme “Healthy Beginning, Hopeful Future.” was launched on World Health Day in Bentol City, rural Montserrado County on April 7, 2025. Observed annually, It aims to spotlight the importance of prioritizing the health and well-being of women and girls, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth. World Health Day serves as a global platform to recognize the contributions of healthcare workers and to raise awareness about the persistent challenges faced by women during childbirth.

This year’s theme emphasizes a year-long regional campaign to uphold the rights of every woman and child to survive and thrive. Speaking during the event, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, drew attention to the alarming global statistics on maternal and newborn mortality. “Nearly 300,000 women die globally each year due to pregnancy or childbirth-related causes,” Dr. Ihekweazu said. Additionally, 2.3 million babies die within their first month of life, and 1.9 million are stillborn.

These losses are concentrated in low-income countries and fragile settings, particularly in the WHO African Region.” He emphasized that these are not just numbers, but real lives lost, families torn apart, and futures cut short.

He urged governments to make focused investments in maternal health, calling for strengthened collaboration across sectors. “We must invest in high-impact maternal and newborn health services such as antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetrics, and postnatal care. But we must also tackle underlying social and economic inequalities and strengthen accountability across the health system,” he stressed. Hon.

Dabah M. Varpillah, Co- Campaigner for Liberia’s Maternal and Newborn Health, acknowledged WHO’s continued support and raised concerns over the recent closure of key health sector partners due to global challenges. “Many of our partners who have helped us are either closed or being closed.

“As a government, we cannot delay dealing with this critical issue, we must act fast,” she said, pledging to work closely with WHO to address the ongoing crisis. Delivering the keynote address, Senate Pro Tempore Hon. Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence called on all Liberians to take ownership of the campaign to end maternal and newborn mortality. “Ending maternal death is not just a government task it’s a collective responsibility,” she said. “We must increase investment in healthcare, ensure that facilities are equipped and accessible especially in rural areas so that no mother or child is left behind.” The World Health Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, continues to coordinate international responses to pressing public health issues.

With its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the WHO operates through six regional offices and over 150 field offices worldwide, including in Liberia. As Liberia intensifies its maternal health campaign, health officials hope the message of “No Mother Should Die While Giving Birth” will echo beyond World Health Day, inspiring policy change, stronger investment, and real impact for women and children across the country.