Liberia Hospital Slashes Maternal Deaths in 2024

Mothers in central Liberia are giving birth more safely than ever before, thanks to a simple solution that's saving lives at C.B. Dunbar Comprehensive Hospital in Gbarnga.

The hospital has recorded a significant drop in maternal deaths in 2024, a victory that administrators credit to better access to essential medications and improved equipment. After USAID withdrew aid, the hospital could have faced a crisis. Instead, they found a sustainable answer.

In August 2024, the hospital launched a Drug Revolving Fund with support from Liberia's Ministry of Health. The program generates revenue that goes right back into restocking the pharmacy with quality medications. Now pregnant women no longer have to leave the facility to buy drugs in risky conditions.

"Pregnant women no longer go outside to buy drugs in unfavorable conditions," said Hospital Administrator Enoch Morris. The results speak volumes: expectant mothers receiving prenatal and postnatal care at the facility are delivering safely without complications.

The hospital's laboratory also received a major upgrade through donated diagnostic machines from partners including the JNB Foundation. Better diagnostics mean doctors can detect problems early and treat them appropriately, a crucial factor in preventing maternal complications.

Most maternal deaths the hospital recorded weren't happening inside the facility. Many women who died either didn't seek care during pregnancy or were referred from distant villages but passed away during the long journey to Gbarnga.

The Ripple Effect

The improvements at C.B. Dunbar are creating waves beyond the delivery room. Liberia's Ministry of Health has increased the hospital's catchment population from 60,000 to 65,000 people, recognizing its enhanced service delivery. The ministry also certified C.B. Dunbar as one of Liberia's best healthcare providers, a remarkable achievement for a facility that faced medication shortages just two years ago.

The hospital still faces challenges, operating with just one ambulance to serve multiple surrounding communities. Morris emphasized the need for additional emergency vehicles to respond to simultaneous emergencies across the region.

Beyond maternal care, the facility has undergone a complete transformation. The entire hospital received fresh paint, latrine facilities were upgraded, and sanitation standards now reflect the quality healthcare mission administrators set for Bong County and neighboring areas.

The turnaround shows what's possible when healthcare facilities find sustainable funding solutions and prioritize the basics: stocked pharmacies, functioning equipment, and clean facilities. For mothers in Gbarnga, these improvements mean the difference between life and death.