UNFPA Donates Essential Medical Equipment to Enhance Maternal and Child Health in Liberia

The Ministry of Health received medical instruments and equipment from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to support the ministry’s efforts in improving maternal and child health across the nation.

Presenting the donation, Madam Bidisha Pillai, the Country Representative of UNFPA to Liberia, conveyed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for its commitment to providing quality reproductive health services and facilities to women and girls in Liberia and underscored UNFPA's dedication to reducing unplanned and unwanted pregnancies and ensuring safe delivery services.

Madam Pillai highlighted the organization's (UNFPA) active involvement in capacity-building initiatives and the provision of essential medical supplies, including HIV testing kits and life-saving drugs. With an average investment of approximately 1.2 million dollars, UNFPA has significantly contributed to these efforts.

The UNFPA Country Representative to Liberia emphasized the critical importance of reliable contraception supplies in facilitating access to reproductive healthcare, stressing that achieving sustainable development goals hinges on such access. She noted the significance of the ceremony coinciding with the celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th, which highlights access to reproductive healthcare as a fundamental human right for all women and girls.

In response, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, Minister of Health, spoke on behalf of the President and the Liberian people, expressing gratitude to UNFPA for their ongoing support.

The Minister appreciated UNFPA's contribution in procuring and donating essential medical supplies. She emphasized that the donated supplies will be distributed across several counties, including Rivercess, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, River Gee, Sinoe, and Maryland.

Reflecting on challenges faced in the operating theater due to inadequate lighting, shortage of beds, and unequipped intensive care unit, Dr. Kpoto emphasized the importance of the donated items in addressing such issues to help ease operations and decrease maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Liberia.

She assured the UNFPA Country Representative of accountability and affirmed that the donated items would be appropriately used and placed in the designated facilities across various counties.

Following the receipt and signing of the handover document by both UNFPA and the Ministry of Health, Michael Nguessan, CMS/WFP Manager, led a tour of the Central Medical Store (CMS), accompanied by the Minister of Health, Dr. Kpoto, the Director of Family Health (MOH), Dr. Nowiah Gorpudolo-Dennis, and Madam Bidisha Pillai, the Country Representative of UNFPA to Liberia, and their respective teams.