A two-day retreat in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Liberia, concluded successfully, bringing together Community Health Services Supervisors (CHSS) and District Health Officers (DHOs) to evaluate the National Community Health Program’s progress and strategize for improvements. Supported by Last Mile Health, the retreat, which ran from March 25-26, 2025, focused on identifying achievements, addressing challenges, and exploring innovative strategies to bolster community health services across the nation. The gathering served as a crucial platform for community health workers to collaborate and learn from one another, ultimately aiming to strengthen the healthcare system and improve healthcare delivery in underserved communities.
Dr. Jude Whesseh, the Grand Bassa County Health Officer (CHO), highlighted several critical issues that impact community health services. Among these were the persistent challenge of maternal mortality, the effectiveness of referral processes, the approach to holistic supervision, the importance of sanitation practices, the need to rebuild community trust in health workers, and the vital roles of clinical practice and service delivery. Dr. Whesseh underscored the critical link between effective communication among healthcare providers and maintaining professional discipline, emphasizing their significance in improving healthcare outcomes, especially in rural and underserved communities. This emphasis suggests a focus on improving both the technical aspects of healthcare provision and the interpersonal dynamics within the healthcare system.
Ms. Nyonblee R. Topayoun, a CHSS from Bokay Town Clinic, described the retreat as an invaluable opportunity for reflection and improvement. Participants had the chance to assess past performance, identify weaknesses, acknowledge gains, and chart a course for the future of their work. This introspective approach aimed to translate the discussions and shared experiences into tangible improvements in healthcare delivery. The emphasis on learning from past experiences highlights the commitment to continuous improvement within the program.
The discussions revolved around practical strategies for improving healthcare delivery on the ground. Participants engaged in in-depth conversations about strengthening supervision methods and enhancing the quality of services provided at the community level. This focus on ground-level implementation highlights the commitment to ensuring that any improvements discussed translate into real-world impact. By engaging the CHSS and DHOs directly, the program aims to empower those on the front lines of healthcare delivery.
Another participant, a CHSS from Orange Grove District and Michigan Clinic, emphasized the educational value of the retreat. She noted that the program clarified the roles and responsibilities of community health workers, enabling them to better understand their contributions and impact within the community. Furthermore, the retreat provided a forum for addressing past mistakes and collaboratively developing strategies to improve supervision and community engagement. This dual focus on individual roles and collaborative strategies underlines the importance of both personal responsibility and teamwork in achieving the program’s goals.
The participants emerged from the retreat with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to implementing the lessons learned. They pledged to strengthen community collaboration and bolster healthcare systems, emphasizing the importance of translating the acquired knowledge into actionable solutions. This commitment underscores the program’s focus on practical application and tangible improvements in service delivery. The shared determination of the participants suggests a strong potential for positive change within the Liberian healthcare system.
The collaborative nature of the retreat, bringing together key stakeholders from various levels of the healthcare system, facilitated a comprehensive approach to problem-solving. By fostering dialogue and shared learning, the program aims to create a more cohesive and effective healthcare system that responds directly to the needs of underserved communities. The emphasis on communication, professional conduct, and continuous improvement reflects a long-term vision for sustainable healthcare development in Liberia. The retreat serves as a crucial step towards empowering community health workers and strengthening the healthcare system as a whole, ultimately aiming to improve the health and well-being of the Liberian population.
