By Methuselah Gaye
The Ministry of Health of Liberia has received two fully equipped ambulances and a consignment of medical supplies from the World Health Organization to strengthen emergency response.
At a handover ceremony in Monrovia, the Minister of Health of the Republic of Liberia, Louise Mapleh Kpoto, described the donation as both timely and essential, expressing gratitude on behalf of the government and people of Liberia.
The donation comes just days after the government unveiled an ambitious “365-day action plan” aimed at significantly reducing maternal and newborn mortality across the country, signaling a renewed focus on improving healthcare outcomes.
Health authorities say the addition of the ambulances is expected to enhance the country’s emergency medical response capacity, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach communities where access to timely care remains a challenge.
Teyah Sackie Moore, Acting Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Minister for Health Services, noted that the support reflects a deepening partnership between Liberia and its international collaborators in the health sector.
She emphasized that sustained cooperation with global health institutions continues to play a critical role in addressing systemic gaps and strengthening service delivery nationwide.
According to the WHO Country Representative to Liberia, Olushago Olu, the package-valued at approximately US$600,000, includes not only the ambulances but also life-saving equipment.
These supplies comprise infant ventilators, neonatal incubators, and resuscitation tools designed to support critical care, particularly for newborns and mothers facing complications during and after childbirth.
Public health experts say such interventions are crucial in a country where maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain among the highest in the region, often due to delays in accessing quality emergency care.
The ambulances are expected to improve referral systems between primary healthcare facilities and major hospitals, thereby reducing response times and increasing the chances of survival in emergency situations.
Officials at the ceremony reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the donated equipment is properly deployed and maintained, with trained personnel assigned to maximize its impact.
As Liberia continues efforts to strengthen its healthcare system, stakeholders say the latest support from the WHO represents a significant step toward achieving more resilient, accessible, and equitable health services for all citizens.
