By Myean D Torgbean
Monrovia, Liberia — March 26, 2026 — The Ministry of Health Liberia, in collaboration with key development partners, has launched an ambitious 365-day national action plan aimed at ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths across the country.
The initiative, unveiled in Congo town , brings together government officials, international partners, and health stakeholders in a coordinated push to deliver targeted, measurable interventions within one year.
Declaring the campaign officially open, Dr. Teyah Sackie Moore, Assistant Minister for Curative Services and Acting Chief Medical Officer, stressed the urgency of addressing maternal and neonatal mortality, describing the effort as both a national priority and a moral responsibility.
“Recognizing the sacred value of every mother and child, we commit to a year of decisive action to eliminate preventable deaths,” Dr. Moore said.
The plan outlines a comprehensive package of interventions, including strengthening newborn care services in all health facilities, ensuring that every birth is attended by trained health professionals, and deploying skilled midwives and frontline workers to rural and underserved communities.
It also prioritizes the steady supply of essential medicines, equipment, and life-saving commodities, alongside improving referral systems through better transportation and communication to guarantee timely access to care.
Community engagement is expected to play a central role, with increased awareness campaigns to promote early antenatal visits, safe facility-based deliveries, and postnatal care. Enhanced data systems will also be introduced to track performance, ensure accountability, and monitor progress.
Speaking on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs George Marshall described the initiative as a critical intervention despite progress made in recent years.
“Maternal and newborn deaths remain a serious public health concern that demands urgent and decisive action,” the President’s statement noted, adding that the plan is designed to deliver measurable results within a defined timeframe.
Providing an overview of the strategy, Assistant Minister for Preventive Services, Dr. Cuallau Jabbeh Howe, described the campaign as a bold national response to persistent gaps in maternal and child healthcare.
“This is a coordinated effort to accelerate life-saving interventions and ensure that every pregnancy is safer, and every mother and newborn has a chance to survive and thrive,” she said.
International partners have also welcomed the initiative. The World Health Organization Representative to Liberia, Dr. Olushayo Olu, commended the government’s action-oriented approach, noting that preventable maternal and neonatal deaths can be significantly reduced through timely and evidence-based interventions.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Dabah M. Varpilah, pledged the Legislature’s full support, including advocacy for increased funding and stronger health policies.
In a significant policy shift, the Ministry has begun deploying doctors, nurses, and midwives to facilities across all 15 counties. Health professionals currently serving in administrative roles are also being reassigned to clinical duties to strengthen frontline healthcare delivery.
Authorities say the 365-day campaign is part of a broader national strategy aligned with global health targets, with the ultimate goal of drastically reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths and improving overall healthcare outcomes in Liberia.
