President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is set to officially launch a nationwide 365-day action plan aimed at significantly reducing maternal and newborn mortality, in what authorities describe as a decisive step toward improving public health outcomes.
The launch, scheduled for this Thursday at the Ministry of Health’s Conference Room in Congo Town, underscores the government’s renewed commitment to safeguarding the lives of women and children while strengthening the country’s healthcare delivery system.
In a statement issued by the Executive Mansion, the initiative is framed as both urgent and transformative.
“The initiative is the Government’s way of safeguarding the lives of Liberian women and children, while strengthening the national health system to deliver quality, equitable, and accessible healthcare services for all.”
Despite notable gains in recent years, maternal and newborn deaths remain a major concern in Liberia’s health sector, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to skilled care and essential services is limited.
According to the government, the 365-day plan will prioritize targeted, measurable actions designed to produce immediate and lasting results.
These include strengthening emergency obstetric and newborn care across health facilities, ensuring that every birth is attended by trained professionals, and expanding the deployment of midwives and frontline health workers.
The plan also emphasizes the consistent availability of essential medicines and lifesaving equipment, as well as improvements in referral systems—particularly transportation and communication—to ensure timely access to critical care.
Community engagement is another key pillar, with efforts aimed at encouraging early antenatal visits, increasing facility-based deliveries, and promoting postnatal care. In addition, authorities plan to enhance data systems to improve monitoring, accountability, and overall performance tracking.
The Ministry of Health will lead the nationwide coordination and implementation of the plan, supported by regular performance reviews to assess progress and address challenges.
Officials say clear benchmarks have been established to ensure measurable reductions in maternal and newborn mortality within the one-year timeframe.
The initiative aligns with Liberia’s broader commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage and meeting global targets under the Sustainable Development Goals related to maternal and child health.
Health experts say the success of the plan will depend on sustained political will, adequate funding, and effective coordination among stakeholders at all levels of the health system.
The launch marks what government officials describe as a critical milestone in Liberia’s efforts to improve healthcare outcomes and protect its most vulnerable citizens.
