Liberia Opens Midwifery School to Cut Maternal Deaths 30%

Thirty young people from western Liberia just got a lifesaving opportunity: becoming trained midwives in their own communities, where skilled birth attendants are desperately scarce.

Bomi Community College launched the Kartumu Boakai School of Midwifery in Tubmanburg, addressing a critical shortage that has contributed to high maternal death rates in Bomi, Gbarpolu, and Grand Cape Mount counties. The school admits 10 students from each county, training them locally so they can serve their home communities after graduation.

"Every mother deserves a safe pregnancy and every baby deserves a healthy start in life," said Dr. Louise Kpoto Cuallau Jabbeh Howe, Assistant Health Minister for Preventive Services. Evidence shows that well-trained midwives can prevent the majority of maternal and newborn deaths.

The program represents a $225,000 investment in equipment and resources, with support from Liberia's Ministry of Health. Dr. Zobong B. Norman, BCC President, explained the initiative began in 2014 as a response to watching mothers die for lack of skilled care.

The school is named after Liberia's First Lady, Kartumu Boakai, a Bomi County native who has championed maternal and newborn health nationwide. Local Superintendent Miatta Esther Dorley praised the naming choice, noting the First Lady's deep commitment to these issues.

The Ripple Effect

By bringing professional training directly to rural communities, the program solves two problems at once. Young people no longer need to relocate to distant cities for midwifery education, and their communities gain skilled health workers who understand local needs and are more likely to stay.

The school aligns with Liberia's 2026 health priorities: strengthening human resources for health, improving maternal services, and expanding skilled care access across all counties. Minister Howe reminded students that midwifery is "a noble calling" where they'll be present at life's most sacred moments.

The Ministry pledged ongoing support to maintain high standards and produce competent, ethical midwives capable of serving anywhere in Liberia. Local authorities from all three counties attended the launch, signaling regional commitment to the program's success.

For western Liberia's expectant mothers, help is coming home.