Liberia Launches First Continuing Professional Development Program for Healthcare Workers
Liberia has taken a monumental step towards enhancing the quality of its healthcare services with the launch of its first Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by Nursing Online Liberia, a group of health professionals accredited by the Liberia Board for Nursing and Midwifery, marks a significant milestone in the country’s pursuit of providing advanced and up-to-date medical care. The program aims to ensure that healthcare professionals across Liberia are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills necessary to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare landscape.
The official launch and certification ceremony took place on February 28, 2025, at the A.M. Dogliotti College of Health Sciences, University of Liberia. The event was attended by 57 healthcare professionals representing five prominent medical institutions: John F. Kennedy (JFK) Medical Center, Catholic Hospital, SD Cooper Hospital, Redemption Hospital, and ELWA Hospital. This diverse representation underscores the collaborative nature of the initiative and its potential to impact healthcare delivery across the nation. The certification process was overseen by the Liberia Board for Nurses and Midwives, solidifying the program’s credibility and adherence to national standards. Beyond these core participants, the event also drew representatives from various regulatory bodies, including the Liberia Environmental Health Board, the Laboratory Board, the chairperson of the Medical and Dental Council, and the Liberia chapter chairperson of the West African Post Graduate College for Nurses and Midwives. A team from the chief nursing and midwifery office represented the Ministry of Health, further highlighting the program’s significance within the national healthcare framework.
The CPD program is designed to provide continuous learning opportunities for healthcare professionals, ensuring they remain abreast of the latest advancements in medical knowledge and techniques. This is crucial in a rapidly evolving field where new discoveries and technologies constantly emerge. The program is structured around Continuing Education Units (CEUs), with one CEU equivalent to 10 hours of active learning. According to the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC), all health professionals in Liberia, including dentists, are required to accumulate 4 CEUs (40 hours) every two years. This standardized approach allows healthcare workers to track their progress and ensure they meet the required standards for continued practice. The mandatory implementation of CPD for all healthcare workers, effective April 2025, signifies the government’s commitment to raising the bar for healthcare quality across the nation.
Ms. Shirley Seckey Fahnbulleh, the Founder of Nursing Online Liberia, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the CPD program, emphasizing the involvement of the Liberia Board for Nursing and Midwifery, the Ministry of Health, and the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences (ULCHS) in reviewing and revising the program guidelines under the BRIDGE-U Liberia Project. She emphasized the significance of this accreditation, noting that Nursing Online Liberia is now the first nationally accredited CPD provider in the country. This fills a critical gap in Liberia’s healthcare system and provides a much-needed platform for continuous professional growth.
Dr. Soday Lake, an educator with the UL Midwifery Department, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of certification and advanced degrees in creating new career paths and leadership opportunities. He lauded the CPD program as a significant step forward for technological innovation and advancement within the nursing profession. Dr. Lake highlighted that continuing education goes beyond simply improving patient care; it equips professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of a rapidly advancing global health sector. By providing online courses, Liberia can ensure its healthcare professionals and students receive quality education comparable to international standards, fostering trust among patients and their families.
The genesis of Nursing Online Liberia dates back to 2017, born out of the recognized need for accessible training for nurses and midwives. While the Liberia Board for Nursing and Midwifery initially approved the group as a national CPD provider, the program gained significant momentum in the wake of the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic underscored the critical need for online training, particularly in areas like infection prevention and control, solidifying the relevance and timeliness of Nursing Online Liberia’s initiative. The launch of the CPD program marks a significant achievement for the organization and promises to contribute significantly to the advancement of healthcare in Liberia.
The establishment of Liberia’s first CPD program signifies a major leap forward in the nation’s healthcare landscape. It reflects a dedicated effort to continuously improve the quality of care provided to patients and demonstrates a commitment to keeping healthcare professionals at the forefront of medical advancements. By embracing continuous learning and professional development, Liberia is investing in a stronger, more capable healthcare workforce, ultimately benefiting the health and well-being of its citizens. This program provides a platform for healthcare professionals to enhance their skills, stay up-to-date with the latest medical knowledge, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality care throughout Liberia. The mandatory implementation of the program further reinforces its significance and underscores its potential to transform the healthcare sector.
