By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson, I.
Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, on April 25, 2025, brought to conclusion the 2025 National Health Summit at the Farmington Hotel, envisaging collective responsibility, real-time data systems, and respectful, quality care as tools in tackling maternal and neonatal mortality.
The three-day summit themed “Unlocking the Potential for Improved Health Outcomes; A Pathway to Maternal & Neonatal Mortality Reduction”, brought together stakeholders from across the nation to confront long-standing challenges in the health system.
In her address, Health Minister, Dr. Kpoto, passionately affirmed, “Every maternal death is a tragedy, and every newborn lost is a future unrealized.” She called on all stakeholders to embrace a unified vision for action: “We must be guided by three core principles of equity, quality, and accountability. No woman or child should be left behind.” She further disclosed that a dedicated data floor will be established at the Ministry of Health for real-time tracking, adding, “We are not just talking anymore—we are moving towards implementation.”
Deputy Minister for Administration, Hon. Martha C. Morris, echoed the need for urgency and collaboration. “This summit provides a platform for evidence-based solutions and actionable strategies. Let this be a turning point—where partnerships lead to real change in our health system,” she said.
Her statement set the tone for a series of high-level interventions expected to yield a national “Call to Action” document. Montserrado County Health Officer, Dr. Jewel T. Kollie, reinforced the summit’s theme by highlighting service gaps. “We must invest in young infrastructure and the training of health professionals,” she said. “Maternal and newborn health cannot be improved in isolation. We must build a stronger foundation, beginning with the frontlines.”
Also addressing the summit was Montserrado County Superintendent, Hon. Whroway Bryant, who stressed the importance of responsibility at every level of governance. “This is not just a health issue—it’s a governance issue. Clear lines of accountability and resource coordination are essential if we are to see improvement,” Bryant declared.
The Keynote speaker, Dr. Moses Massaquoi, CHAL’s Country Director, presented a data-driven perspective on Liberia’s maternal health indicators. Between 2019 and 2020, maternal mortality remained critically high. We must fast-track equity funds and improve infrastructure in rural areas,” he urged.
He emphasized collaboration, calling on the private sector to contribute expertise and resources. “This is a national emergency, and everyone has a role to play.”
The summit’s background was also highlighted by Dr. Massaquoi, who pointed out that Liberia’s post-war health sector still suffers from systemic inequities. “Strong policies are not enough—enforcement and sustainable financing are essential. Let us not take ambulances away from clinics under the guise of emergencies,” he cautioned, referring to lapses in emergency response systems.
Speaking on behalf of the health partners was Dr. Olushayo Olu, W.R.A.I, WHO-LIBERIA., He extended gratitude to the President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Joseph N. Boakai, and the Minister of Health and team for the significant improvement in the health sector.
In his statement, he made a few “call to action” which is to invest more in maternal newborn healthcare services, expand equitable access to good quality healthcare that will ensure women’s and children’s rights are protected and respected, and Social and economic factors. Dr. Olu reaffirmed the partner’s commitment to enhancing quality healthcare services in Liberia.
Dr. Kpoto, in wrapping up the day’s events, praised the resilience of health teams. “To my Deputy and Assistant Ministers, Comptroller, and the entire technical team, I say thank you. We’ve come from a challenging 2024, and this summit marks the beginning of a new era. We will hold ourselves accountable because our people deserve better.” She stated.
Throughout the event, representatives from all 15 counties, CHOs, health administrators, civil society organizations, and international development partners engaged in breakout sessions to discuss strategies for strengthening maternal health services. Several participants applauded the Ministry’s renewed focus on quality, equity, and technology.
At the same time, the Ministry of Health awarded a few healthcare facilities and counties for their tremendous efforts in ensuring a proper healthcare system. Redemption Hospital, New Kru Town, Bushrod Island, Monrovia, was awarded for significant improvement in the quality standards of the sanitary conditions of the facility, and Commitment to the Provision of Health Services during 2024; while John F. Kennedy was awarded for the significant Improvement in the Quality Standards of the Sanitary Conditions of your facility, James N. Davis, Jr., O.D.J Hospital in Neezoo, Monrovia, was awarded for Commitment to the Provision of Health Services during 2024, followed by Grand Bassa County, significant Improvement in Service Delivery leading to improved health outcomes.
Nimba County was awarded for the significant increase in Performance & Best Practices, thereby improving health outcomes, and Bomi County was awarded for Innovative Strategies & Approaches for improved health outcomes.
