Liberia’s Midwives on the Frontline: Grand Bassa Celebration Sparks Urgent Call for Support and Reform

 



By Elijah Easter Kaykay

(Grand Bassa County)

“You are the first hands to welcome life into this world,”
declared Madam Vernier J. Johnson, honoring the tireless dedication of midwives
who stand on the frontlines of maternal and newborn health.

On Monday, May 5, 2025, midwives from across Liberia gathered at Buchanan
City Hall to celebrate the International Day of the Midwife. Organized by the
Liberia Midwives Association (LMA), the event honored the vital contributions
of these healthcare professionals to maternal and child well-being nationwide.

The atmosphere was filled with passion and purpose, emphasizing the
indispensable role of midwives in improving health outcomes across Liberia. The
event drew various dignitaries, including Superintendent Karyou Johnson—an
experienced health administrator—who joined other health practitioners in
showing solidarity and appreciation.

Guest speaker Madam Vernier J. Johnson emphasized that midwives are more
than healthcare providers—they are pillars of community resilience and
sustainability. Speaking under the global theme “Midwives: Critical in
Every Crisis,” she described them as “steady voices in moments of fear,
calm in crisis, and the strength behind thousands of safe births each year.”

“You do not just practice a profession—you carry a
calling,” she noted, praising midwives as caregivers, counselors,
advocates, and trusted companions who often ensure that life begins safely and
with dignity.

Madam Johnson also acknowledged the formidable challenges midwives face—from
traveling long distances and working without adequate supplies to bearing the
emotional weight of high-risk environments. Despite these obstacles, she
applauded their courage, compassion, and resilience.

“To our midwives: your work saves lives,” she
declared, calling them the “unsung heroes of public health in
Liberia.”

She highlighted that midwives are not only clinical professionals but also
educators, advocates, and guardians of life. In many parts of the country and
the world, they are often the first—and sometimes only—link women have to the
healthcare system. Through their efforts flow hope, empowerment, and
resilience.

Madam Johnson stressed that midwives significantly reduce maternal and new
born mortality, uphold women’s rights, and strengthen families and communities.
She called on all levels of government and community to move beyond recognition
and take action.

“This celebration should not only be a day of acknowledgment but
also a call to action,” she urged. “We must recommit to investing in
midwifery through training, fair pay, adequate medical supplies, safe working
conditions, and policies that respect and empower midwives.”

She concluded with a powerful call to strengthen partnerships and health
systems to ensure that every woman regardless of her location has access to a
skilled and compassionate midwife.

“You are protectors of life, builders of hope, and champions of our
collective future,” Madam Johnson affirmed.