Emerging from the recent Ebola outbreak that destroyed its already fragile health system, Liberia is now faced with numerous challenges in improving health outcomes and the greater health system. These issues are particularly grave in the areas of maternal and child health, as evidenced by the high infant, child and maternal mortality rates. Our program will benefit 62 health workers and a total of more than 100,000 community members through improvement of services at 3 health facilities.
There are only 50 doctors in Liberia for 3.5 million people (one doctor per 70,000 people) - and most of these doctors work in urban areas. The number of nurses and midwives who are the front line care takers is also very low. The health system of Liberia is characterized by inconsistent supply of basic medicines and other supplies as well as poor infrastructure, particularly in the areas of mother and child health as evidenced by the alarmingly high infant, child and maternal mortality rates.
Stopping preventable deaths does not demand expensive and complex health care. It requires sustained support to deliver simple, cost-effective solutions, such as access to quality emergency obstetric and newborn care services. This program will provide health worker-training and improve availability of basic medicines, equipment and supplies, as well as infrastructure upgrades. This will increase access to, and quality of, MNCH services.
Sustainability is an important component of AmeriCares MNCH program in Grand Bassa County. Close cooperation with the community, local government, partners and stakeholders ensures the program's viability. Building the capacity of the health workforce and health facilities is key to creating sustainable outcomes. The program will benefit and train 62 health workers and reach a total of more than 100,000 community members.
