By: Ernest Kpehe Moibah | Bomi County Correspondent
Tubmanburg, Bomi County- August 19, 2025-The Bomi County Health Team has been hailed as Liberia’s national leader in maternal and neonatal health after recording zero maternal deaths between April and June 2025, a feat celebrated by the Ministry of Health as a major breakthrough in the country’s fight against preventable maternal mortality.
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, County Health Officer Dr. Annett Brima-Davis attributed the honor to the tireless work of health professionals across the county.
“This recognition belongs to every nurse, midwife, doctor, community health assistant, and support staff who show up daily to care for women and children,” Dr. Brima-Davis said. “When we work together, we save lives.”
STATISTICS BEHIND THE ACHIEVEMENT
The Ministry’s recognition is based on data compiled by the county health team during its latest quarterly review:
7,913 pregnant women accessed antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services at facilities countywide. 1,659 mothers delivered safely under skilled care at health centers and clinics.
Over 6,000 women continued to receive consistent antenatal care (ANC) to prevent complications during pregnancy.
No maternal deaths were recorded during the April–June period – a dramatic improvement compared to previous years.
Dr. Brima-Davis noted that this outcome is not an accident, but rather the result of consistent outreach, proper drug supply, and strengthened supervision of rural health posts.
COMMUNITY VOICES PRAISE THE HEALTH TEAM
At the Tubmanburg Government Hospital, midwife Theresa Kollie said the improvement is visible on the ground:
“We used to lose mothers because they came late, or they couldn’t buy medicine after a prescription. But now, supplies are here, transportation is improving, and women are delivering safely. This recognition gives us even more strength to keep going.”
Residents also expressed gratitude. Korto Johnson, a mother of three from Klay District, shared her experience:
“When I was pregnant with my last child, I had high blood pressure. The clinic treated me for free and followed me up until delivery. If this were three years ago, I would have been at risk. The health workers saved me and my baby.”
GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT STRENGTHENING SERVICES
Dr. Brima-Davis credited improved availability of medicines and medical supplies as a key factor:
“Gone are the days when patients were told to leave the hospital and buy medicines outside. With better logistics and stronger supply chains, care is now faster and more reliable.”
In addition, the County Health Team has stationed a new ambulance in Suehn Mecca District to reduce referral times for emergency cases – an intervention expected to save even more lives.
“Delays used to kill mothers and newborns,” said Nurse Emmanuel Barh, who works in a remote clinic. “With an ambulance close by, we can move patients to Tubmanburg Government Hospital before it’s too late.”
NATIONAL IMPLICATIONS AND NEXT STEPS
The Ministry of Health’s recognition of Bomi County and two other counties to include Grand Kru and Grand Gedeh demonstrates that with proper resources, coordination, and political will, maternal and neonatal deaths can be drastically reduced in Liberia.
Health experts believe the Bomi County model prioritizing community outreach, skilled delivery, consistent drug supply, and emergency transport could be replicated in other counties for better results.
Dr. Brima-Davis concluded: “This is not just about Bomi. It’s about showing Liberia that we can make maternal deaths a thing of the past. The women and children of this country deserve no less.”
