By Godgift Harris
Maternal and newborn health services are reportedly recording notable gains, according to recent reports from several referral hospitals, signaling steady progress under the leadership of Ministry of Health (MoH). Official updates indicate that River Cess District Hospital, has recorded “zero maternal deaths” since April 2025. Health authorities attributed the milestone to strengthened supervision, improved staff coordination, and increased community engagement initiatives.
In Sinoe County, F.J. Grante Memorial Hospital, also reported “zero maternal deaths” in January 2026, under the leadership of Dr. Roosevelt Matthews.
Hospital officials credited the achievement to the national Safe Motherhood Initiative, supported by Sinoe County Health Team, and the Performance-Based Financing (PBF) Program.
Similar progress has been reported at James N. Davis, Jr. Memorial Hospital in Monrovia, and the Liberia Government Hospital in Bomi, both of which recorded “zero maternal deaths” during the reporting period. Meanwhile, in Bong County, C.B. Dunbar Comprehensive Hospital, has registered a significant decline in maternal mortality throughout 2025.
The hospital administrator, Enoch Morris said, improvements in drug availability, the acquisition of modern medical equipment, and the introduction of the Drug Revolving Fund, implemented with support from the MoH have contributed to safer deliveries.
Morris however said, the few maternal deaths recorded were largely cases that occurred outside the hospital, often linked to late referrals from remote communities, and persistent transportation challenges. Health officials say ongoing sector reforms are focused on strengthening oversight, accountability, and service delivery nationwide.
While acknowledging that maternal health challenges remain tied to late hospital arrivals, limited emergency transport, and rural access barriers, authorities emphasize that targeted interventions are yielding results.
MoH has reportedly prioritized the expansion of maternal and newborn services, reinforcement of county health teams, maintenance of consistent drug supplies amid donor transitions, and the upgrading of laboratories and sanitation facilities in referral hospitals.
Despite remaining challenges, officials point to improvements in River Cess, Sinoe, and Bong counties as clear evidence of steady progress toward safer motherhood and improved healthcare delivery across Liberia.