By Henry B. Gboluma, Jr.
Bopolu City – Celebrations marking the 2025 Safe Motherhood Week officially got underway at Bopolu City Hall, in Gbarpolu County, with authorities launching a week-long activities focusing on improving maternal and child health across the county.
The events are being held under the theme: “Every Birth Counts, Strengthening Maternity and Newborn Care,” which emphasizes community participation and healthcare development.
The celebrations commenced today Monday, 7 July, with a ceremony attended by officials of government including Gbarpolu County Health Officer Dr. Kezelebah Goyah, county Superintendent Sam K. Zinnah, traditional midwives and international partners including UNICEF and Red Cross were also in attendance.
During the occasion, Superintendent Zinnah highlighted ongoing efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, indicating that the ongoing construction of over eight health facilities funded by resources from coffers of the county and its Social Development Funds.
He noted that some of the projects being undertaken are nearing completion, assuring that same would shortly be handed over to the County Health Team. He also shared updates on the progress of the Normor Clinic Project in Kongba, Gbarpolu County.
Zinnah praised health workers, especially traditional midwives, for their dedication to newborn care.
He expressed gratitude for the ambulance deployed in Belle District and announced plans to deploy another in Kongba District to enhance emergency services.
The county also continues to support healthcare with annual funding including last year’s US$20,000 for fuel at the Emirates Hospital.
Throughout this week, the county is conducting various activities, according to Community Health Director Bennie Clarke.
On 8 and 9 July, a medical outreach will provide pregnant women with healthcare services and referrals, said Bennie, who disclosed that on Wednesday, 9 July, an ambulance will be deployed at Kumgbor Clinic, in Kongba District, to beef up emergency response initiatives.
On 10 July, the focus will be on capacity-building through various training sessions for traditional and certified midwives at the Bopolu City Hall.
A candle night will also be observed on 10 July, in memory of women who lost their lives during childbirth.
Activities of the week-long celebrations will be climaxed on 11 July, with a street parade celebrating healthcare workers and their efforts aimed at promoting safe motherhood.
The commemoration of the week-long activities underscores Liberia’s commitment to reducing maternal mortality and ensuring safe childbirth for all.
It aims to raise community awareness, strengthen healthcare services, and honor the professionals working tirelessly to save lives, reaffirming that “every birth counts.”
