By: Shallom S. Gonlor
NIMBA COUNTY — The adage that “no woman should die while giving life” remains elusive for many pregnant women in Liberia, as poor road conditions and long distances hinder timely access to essential healthcare services.
Residents from 17 towns and villages in the Yarpea MahAdministrative District, a predominantly farming community, have expressed their frustrations over the lack of adequate road infrastructure leading to the Duo-Tiayee Clinic, the only public health facility in the area. This situation has created significant barriers to accessing healthcare, particularly for pregnant women.
Despite the Duo-Tiayee Clinic’s impressive track record of delivering over 300 newborns in the past eight years, the clinic faces pressing challenges that threaten the health and safety of its patients. The lack of basic medical supplies, combined with the poor state of the roads, poses serious risks to pregnant women, especially when critical referrals to government hospitals are necessary.
The clinic serves approximately 50 pregnant women at its maternal waiting home, but many of these women face daunting health risks due to the deplorable road conditions. As they wait for safe delivery, they voiced their concerns about the potential complications arising from the rough, dusty, and pothole-ridden roads that characterize the region.
The challenges faced by women in rural and underserved communities in Nimba County contribute to rising maternal mortality rates and severe health complications.
Deacon Abraham Gaye, the acting town chief of Duo-Tiayee, highlighted the plight of pregnant women, children, and the elderly during health emergencies. “The ordeal they endure to access healthcare services is alarming,” he said. “The road networks in Yarpea Mah Administrative District are riddled with potholes, creating a turbulent journey for those seeking medical attention.”
He added, “Pregnant women, already burdened with the delicate task of nurturing life, face additional risks due to the arduous journeys required for maternal care. Their concerns have gone unaddressed for far too long.”
The roads that should facilitate access to medical care have instead become a source of distress, jeopardizing the well-being of those bringing new life into the world. The essence of safe motherhood is compromised by the neglect of infrastructure maintenance.
Over the years, Nimba County has seen an increase in maternal deaths. A tragic case occurred in June 2024, when Ms. Comfort Paye, in her 40s, died due to childbirth complications in GarplayTown, District #4. Her death followed a sudden complication while being transported in an ambulance that became stuck on a dilapidated low bridge.
Deacon Gaye further asserted, “We cannot ignore the cries of these mothers, nor can we accept the inaction of our leaders. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every expectant mother can access healthcare without putting her life and the life of her child at unnecessary risk. The entire Yarpea route leading to Sanniquellie is in poor condition.”
To ensure healthy lives and promote the well-being of all, reliable road infrastructure is essential—something that has been denied to many parts of the country for decades.
Davietta Blain, a newly assigned registered midwife at the Duo-Tiayee Clinic, noted that pregnant women often develop complications during delivery due to the long distances they must travel by motorbike or ambulance on poor roads. She also highlighted inadequate bathroom facilities for the approximately 50 pregnant women at the maternal waiting home, forcing some to bathe in open areas due to the breakdown of existing facilities during the rainy season.
Madam Blain appealed to humanitarian organizations, the Liberian government, and partners to provide the necessary healthcare services and infrastructure to alleviate these challenges.
Despite these persistent issues, the Duo-Tiayee Clinic has celebrated significant maternal health achievements. On November 22, 2024, residents from the 17 towns and villages gathered at the clinic to honor maternal health champion Mrs. Patience T. F. Zubah for her outstanding contributions to midwifery over the past eight years. Under her leadership, the clinic delivered around 300 newborns with zero maternal deaths during her tenure.
