A cohort of 27 Liberian nurses, predominantly women, are embarking on a transformative journey to India to participate in a specialized capacity-building program focused on nursing leadership and management. This initiative, facilitated by the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, underscores the growing partnership between India and Liberia in the healthcare sector. The program, hosted by the prestigious Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, aims to equip these nurses with advanced skills and global best practices, ultimately bolstering Liberia’s healthcare system. A pre-departure orientation was held in Monrovia, Liberia, on January 24, 2025, attended by the participating nurses and led by Dr. Teyah Moore, Assistant Minister for Curative Services, Ministry of Health of Liberia. The event served as a platform to highlight the significance of the program and the enduring relationship between the two nations.
The ITEC program, a flagship initiative of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs since 1964, has provided training to over 200,000 professionals from more than 160 countries across diverse fields, including healthcare, IT, agriculture, education, and management. This particular program for Liberian nurses exemplifies India’s commitment to fostering global partnerships through capacity building. The Indian Ambassador to Liberia, Manoj Bihari Verma, emphasized the importance of the ITEC program and encouraged the nurses to maximize this opportunity, not only for personal growth but also to disseminate the knowledge gained and inspire others to participate in future ITEC initiatives. He also highlighted the underutilization of ITEC slots by Liberia, urging greater participation and emphasizing the accessibility and breadth of programs available.
The Ambassador drew a parallel between the predominantly female cohort of nurses and the legacy of the all-women Indian Formed Police Unit (FPU) that served under the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) from 2007 to 2016. He lauded the courage and compassion demonstrated by the peacekeepers, recognizing the same potential in the nurses to become leaders and agents of positive change within their communities. Dr. Moore echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the dual benefit of such initiatives in skill development and strengthening bilateral relations. He assured the Indian Embassy of Liberia’s commitment to fully utilizing ITEC opportunities in the future.
The pre-departure orientation offered the nurses a glimpse into India’s rich cultural tapestry. They were treated to traditional Indian snacks like samosas and gulab jamuns, and encouraged to explore India’s diverse culinary traditions and the scenic beauty of Chandigarh during their stay. The training at PGIMER promises exposure to world-class education, global healthcare practices, and leadership development, preparing them to contribute significantly to Liberia’s healthcare landscape. This program represents not only individual growth but also a strengthening of Liberia’s healthcare system and the bonds of friendship between India and Liberia.
The program’s focus on nursing leadership and management is particularly relevant to Liberia’s healthcare context. By equipping nurses with leadership skills, the program aims to empower them to take on greater responsibilities within the healthcare system, improve service delivery, and contribute to policy development. The training at PGIMER will expose them to advanced concepts in healthcare management, including strategic planning, resource allocation, quality improvement, and patient safety. These skills will be crucial in addressing the challenges faced by Liberia’s healthcare system, such as limited resources, infrastructure gaps, and a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals.
The emphasis on female participation in this program is also noteworthy. By empowering women in leadership roles within the healthcare sector, the program contributes to gender equality and promotes greater representation of women in decision-making positions. This aligns with global efforts to promote gender equity and recognize the vital role women play in healthcare. The program’s focus on female leadership is expected to have a cascading effect, inspiring other women in Liberia to pursue careers in healthcare and leadership roles. This initiative serves as a testament to the commitment of both India and Liberia to promote gender equality and empower women in all sectors. The program’s success will not only benefit the individual participants but will also serve as a model for future capacity-building initiatives focused on empowering women in leadership roles.
