-As Go-slow Action Begins in Nimba
NIMBA COUNTY – Surgical wards at the G.W. Harley Hospital in Sanniquellie stood empty and quiet on Thursday, January 15, 2026, after nurse anesthetists across Liberia launched a nationwide strike.
BY: Shallon S. Gonlor | shallonsgonlor@womenvoicesnewspaper_i2sktp
The Liberia Association of Nurse Anesthetists suspended all surgical services effective Thursday. The association announced the work stoppage in a press release on January 14. The strike has paralyzed operating theaters across many health facilities, forcing the cancellation of elective procedures, including C-sections and trauma surgeries.
The nurse anesthetists are demanding a salary increase from a base of US$600 to at least US$1,000 per month. They cite prolonged government neglect and unfair wage disparities compared to regional counterparts. After taxes and deductions, many of us take home only about US$400. This is unsustainable,” said a representative of the association.
The professionals, who administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgery, submitted a formal petition to the government on December 13, 2025. They say they have received no official response.
The Ministry of Health has not spoken to the matter.
The Warning:
Delivering the Association’s press release in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, Kehdon highlighted the dire situation facing Liberia’s nurse anesthetists and anaesthetists. “Our profession is built on dedication and responsibility, with years of rigorous training. Yet, despite changes in political leadership, we continue to experience undercompensation,” he said.
Kehdon added: “The treatment we receive often remains hidden from the patients whose lives We safeguard. We don’t wish to serve with grieving hearts.” According to him, Liberia has 118 licensed anesthesia providers (excluding physicians), but many have left the country, resigned, or died in service due to poor compensation. “Our association’s database accounts for 91 members presently,” he noted.
Saye Cyrus Kehdon believes that nurse anesthetists are the backbone of Liberia’s surgical services, unfortunately, they have faced major struggles.
While acknowledging physicians’ contributions, Kehdon stressed that 99% of successful surgeries rely on nurse anesthetist expertise. “Approximately 98% of these professionals are nurses, who spend 5-9 years in training,” he said.
Moreover, Kehdon highlighted the intimate involvement of nurse anesthetists in patient care. “We are the ones who engage with you the night before elective surgeries, hours before emergency surgeries, asking key questions about your health status.”
LANA Nimba County Coordinator Saye Cyrus Kehdon emphasized, “We take full responsibility for patients’ lives, establishing IV access for critically ill patients and contributing to maternal and newborn mortality reduction.”
The Liberia Association of Nurse Anesthetists is also rallying civil society and stakeholders to join their cause. They are also urging the government to address salary discrepancies, fair compensation, and rightful benefit entitlement. “We want a healthcare environment valuing its providers and patients.”
