On December 13, 2024, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with generous support from the Swedish government, donated a fleet of thirteen Toyota Land Cruisers and a motorbike to Liberia’s Ministry of Health. This significant contribution aims to bolster the nation’s reproductive and maternal health services, particularly in underserved counties, and contribute to broader social cohesion initiatives. The vehicles will play a crucial role in transporting pregnant women to health facilities, responding to emergency situations, and supporting outreach programs. This donation underscores the commitment of both UNFPA and Sweden to improving the well-being of Liberian women and youth.
The donation aligns with UNFPA’s core mandate of achieving three transformative results by 2030: zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA Representative Bidisha Pillai emphasized the critical need for accessible reproductive and maternal health services in reducing maternal mortality. She expressed hope that the Liberian government would build upon this support to further strengthen these essential services and prevent childbirth-related deaths. Ms. Pillai also highlighted the vehicles’ role in supporting the At-Risk Youth project, a joint initiative with the Liberian government and the UN Peacebuilding Fund, aimed at empowering marginalized youth through economic livelihood skills and promoting their active participation in peacebuilding efforts.
The vehicles were procured through funding provided by the Swedish government for the 2022 Liberia Population and Housing Census. Swedish Ambassador Karl Backéus expressed pride in Sweden’s collaboration with UNFPA and reiterated their commitment to strengthening sexual and reproductive health and rights for Liberian adolescents, young people, and women. He emphasized the importance of a robust maternal health delivery system and expressed anticipation for the positive impact the vehicles would have across the country. This donation exemplifies Sweden’s ongoing support for UNFPA programs in Liberia, particularly those focused on preventing maternal deaths and empowering young people.
Liberian Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, accepting the vehicles on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, conveyed her gratitude to UNFPA and the Swedish government for their generous contribution. She recognized the vehicles as a vital tool in the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates by improving access to maternal health services. Dr. Kpoto highlighted the practical application of the vehicles, emphasizing their use in transporting pregnant women to health facilities and responding to emergency cases, thereby directly contributing to saving lives.
This collaborative effort between UNFPA, the Swedish government, and the Liberian Ministry of Health underscores the importance of international partnerships in addressing critical health challenges. The donation of these vehicles is a tangible step towards strengthening Liberia’s healthcare infrastructure and improving maternal health outcomes. This initiative aligns with global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to maternal health and well-being.
By providing essential transportation resources, this donation will facilitate access to vital maternal health services, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The vehicles will enable healthcare workers to reach more women, provide timely interventions, and ultimately save lives. This contribution will significantly enhance the capacity of the Liberian health system to deliver quality maternal care and contribute to a healthier future for women and children in Liberia. The inclusion of a motorbike further expands the reach of these services, allowing healthcare workers to navigate challenging terrains and reach even the most remote communities. This comprehensive approach addresses the multifaceted challenges of providing healthcare in diverse geographical contexts.
