BY Shallon S. Gonlor
NIMBA COUNTY — Despite significant progress made by the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Health and various international partners, the country continues to face a daunting challenge in addressing malnutrition among newborns. A critical shortage of nutritional food has emerged as a major factor contributing to this ongoing issue.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, along with their children, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of malnutrition. Recently, hundreds of women in Nimba County gathered to raise awareness about this pressing health crisis, drawing attention to the urgent need for intervention.
The participants underscored the vital importance of tackling maternal malnutrition in Liberia, emphasizing that effective measures could save thousands of lives in the near future. They expressed concern over the lack of evidence-based interventions specifically designed for pregnant women, which are essential for combating maternal malnutrition and reducing mortality rates.
The women’s collective plea highlighted the necessity for immediate action, particularly in the areas of nutritional supplementation and food security. They pointed out several critical barriers to progress, including limited food availability and the inadequate implementation of key international projects aimed at addressing malnutrition. These challenges are often exacerbated by insufficient monitoring and evaluation of existing interventions, as well as a lack of training for healthcare professionals.
Furthermore, the women identified several contextual factors that hinder the success of nutritional programs, including cultural practices, public trust in healthcare systems, the prevalence of misinformation, and concerns regarding the potential adverse effects of interventions.
On December 7, 2023, the Government of Liberia launched its inaugural Liberia Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Costed Strategic Plan (LMNCSP), a pivotal initiative aimed at addressing malnutrition across the country. Spanning from 2024 to 2028, this comprehensive plan is the result of collaborative efforts among government agencies, international organizations, and various stakeholders.
As Liberia confronts the challenges of malnutrition, the call for swift and effective interventions has never been more urgent. The health and well-being of mothers and newborns depend on a coordinated response that prioritizes nutrition and healthcare access.
The LMNCSP signifies a strategic shift in Liberia’s approach to malnutrition, aiming to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition-related challenges such as stunting, low birth weight, and nutrition awareness among women. By prioritizing nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions, the plan aligns with global health and agriculture objectives, emphasizing local food production, policy dialogue, and social protection.
Additionally, in May 2024, the United Nations (H6) joint mission concluded its visit to Liberia, highlighting the urgent need for action to combat the high burden of increasing maternal and newborn deaths in the country. About 1,100 women and 8,510 newborns die annually during childbirth in Liberia, according to the UN report.
In Nimba County, rural women and adolescent girls emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that many of them die every year in giving birth. Expressing concerns over the increase in newborn mortality rates and the alarming number of stillbirths, attributing these tragedies to a lack of quality care during childbirth and antenatal care, among other factors.
The women outlined specific targets to reduce maternal and newborn mortality, emphasizing the need to enhance access to healthcare services, improve health infrastructure, and enact legal frameworks to address gender-based violence, among other issues. The women said without swift intervention, children, and pregnant women could die in the coming months due to hunger unless urgent, life-saving funding is released to respond to the massive and worsening crisis facing them. Food insecurity and malnutrition remain a major concern in the country.
