Liberia records highest infant mortality rate

The Assistant Minister for Curative Services at the Ministry of Health in Monrovia, Dr. Saye Dahn Bawo, says Liberia’s infant mortality rate is the highest in the world.

Speaking Monday at a Refresher and Reorientation training for retired and new graduate midwives at a local hotel in Paynesville, outside Monrovia, Dr. Bawo quotes the World Health Organization as reporting that in Liberia, there are 1,072 deaths to every 100,000 lives. 

He stressed the need to train more midwives and healthcare workers to take on the challenge of reversing the country’s huge death rate.

According to him, Liberia has done a lot in family planning, but the Government of Liberia has not been able to absorb all trained healthcare workers because of lack of funds, while health schools have produced significant number of health workers.

The Assistant Health Minister added that other trainings are necessary because since subsequent graduations, things have improved. He said Government has plan to include healthcare workers on the payroll, adding,  “discussions are ongoing and progress have been made.”

Dr. Bawo disclosed that Non-Government Organizations are helping with payment, and requested for the listing of all graduates from Government health institutions for possible employment.

The Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer of Liberia, Madam Musu Washington, said licenses of midwives will be inspected to know how current is their accreditation.

The program was sponsored by the UNFPA. Esther King Lincoln, UNFPA Specialist, said the graduates will be deployed in Government health facilities.

By Ethel A Tweh