UNFPA, Bomileaders recommit to ending maternal death

UNFPA Representative Dr. OluremiSogunromeet with patients The United Nations Population Fund or UNFPA, in collaboration with authorities of Bomi County have agreed to step up efforts aimed at improving the maternal and newborn health care delivery of the county. The commitment followed a one-day visit to Bomi County by UNFPA Representative Dr. OluremiSogunro.

During a meeting with Bomi County authorities including Development Superintendent Mr. Ernest Davis and County Health Officer (CHO) Dr. Odell Kumeh,Dr. Sogunro said UNFPA remained supportive of the county in its effort to stop women dying during childbirth.

“I must commend authorities of Bomi County for the political will and the demonstrated commitment to partnership in ensuring that pregnant women have safe delivery at health facilities”; he said, and added “The County’s decision to discourage home delivery by imposing a fine is a step in the right direction.”

A press release issued by UNFPA says, in response, Bomi County Development Superintendent, Ernest Davis, lauded UNFPA for its support to the county.

Mr. Davis said the reduction of maternal death is high on the county’s development agenda. “We have rallied our traditional and community leaders to ensure that no pregnant woman is left to deliver outside of a health facility. For this reason, a fine of LD 1,500.00 has been set as a punishment for would-be violators”; he said.

The visit afforded the UNFPA Representative and his team the opportunity to interact with community members and assess some of the facilities rendering maternal and newborn health care including Sass Town Clinic, Jenneh #3 Clinic, and Sime Darby Plantation Clinic. These three health facilities were refurbished with support from UNFPA. The fund is also supporting the expansion of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health unit at Jenneh #3 Clinic with a further commitment to install a solar power lighting system at the facility.

During a meeting with Trained Traditional Midwives (TTMs) from communities in and around the Sime Darby Plantation, Dr. Sogunro called on the TTMs to always refer pregnant women to health facilities for delivery. “You are important in our efforts to stop women from dying during childbirth.”

The meeting with the TTMs by UNFPA and Bomi County Health Officer Dr. Odell Kumeh followed the death of a pregnant woman during childbirth in the county. The death of the woman came about as a result of the delay by a TTM in getting her to a health facility for safe delivery. –Press Release