MONROVIA — The Government of Liberia, in partnership with the Government of Japan and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has officially unveiled a series of major health sector upgrades aimed at reducing maternal and newborn deaths in high-burden communities in Montserrado County.
The interventions—funded under a Japan-supported project targeting maternal and newborn mortality—include the full renovation of the maternity wing of the Liberian-Japanese Friendship Hospital at the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Medical Center, as well as ongoing upgrades and equipment support for the Careysburg and Barnesville health centers.
Modernized Maternity Wing at JFK
At the JFK Medical Center in Sinkor, the renovated maternity wing now features modern delivery rooms, improved sanitation infrastructure, and upgraded medical systems designed to enhance both patient safety and clinical efficiency.
The renovation works included the installation of new tiles and flooring, construction of partitioned delivery cubicles to ensure privacy, upgraded ceilings, and improved water systems. Additional enhancements such as handwashing stations and refurbished bathrooms were also completed to meet international healthcare standards.
The facility has also been equipped with essential medical devices, including delivery beds, anesthesia machines, hospital beds, and infant radiant warmers—critical tools for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Health authorities say these upgrades are expected to significantly improve the quality of emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) services at Liberia’s largest referral hospital.
Careysburg Receives Ambulance, Motorcycles, and Facility Upgrades
The project also extended to the Careysburg Comprehensive Health Center, where an ambulance and two motorcycles were officially handed over to support emergency referrals and outreach services.
Renovation works at Careysburg include roof replacement, installation of new tiles and ceilings, construction of additional rooms such as a mortuary, laundry, and kitchen, as well as improvements to water and sanitation systems.
The facility is also being equipped with modern medical tools, including ultrasound machines, cardiotocographs, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices.
Officials say these upgrades will help transform the center into a more functional healthcare facility capable of handling maternal and newborn emergencies.
Barnesville Health Center Nears Completion
Similar improvements are underway at the Barnesville Health Center, where the project is nearing completion.
The upgrades include the construction of an operating theater, emergency room, delivery room, recovery room, and a central sterile room. The project will also convert the existing Maternal and Child Health (MCH) unit into a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and establish a postpartum ward.
Infrastructure improvements such as medical-grade flooring, electrification, and water system rehabilitation are also being implemented.
Health officials say these enhancements will significantly strengthen the delivery of high-quality EmONC services in the Barnesville area.
Training and Capacity Building for Health Workers
Beyond infrastructure, the project has also focused on strengthening human capacity within the health system.
A total of 40 midwives have been trained in emergency obstetric and newborn care, while 43 healthcare workers and administrators received training in the 5S Kaizen methodology—a system designed to improve efficiency, organization, and service delivery in healthcare facilities.
These training initiatives are expected to complement the infrastructure investments by ensuring that healthcare providers are equipped with the skills needed to deliver quality care.
Targeting Maternal Mortality in High-Burden Areas
The broader project—valued at approximately $1.4 million—is designed to address Liberia’s persistent maternal and newborn mortality challenges, particularly in underserved rural and peri-urban communities.
By improving access to quality healthcare services, strengthening facility capacity, and enhancing referral systems, the initiative aims to reduce preventable deaths among pregnant women and newborns.
Officials estimate that the project will directly benefit over 1,500 pregnant women and their newborns, while also improving healthcare access for tens of thousands of residents and frontline health workers.
A Step Toward Stronger Health Systems
The handover ceremonies, held at JFK Medical Center and Careysburg Health Center, brought together senior government officials, international partners, and health professionals, underscoring the importance of collaboration in addressing Liberia’s health challenges.
Stakeholders say the initiative represents a critical step toward strengthening Liberia’s healthcare system and ensuring that no woman or child dies from preventable causes.
As Liberia continues efforts to improve public health outcomes, the project stands as a strong example of how targeted investment, international partnership, and local capacity building can drive meaningful change.
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