International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

More needs to be done to tackle maternal mortality in Liberia, a United Nations official has stated.

According to Dr Babatunde Osotimehim, executive director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), efforts to reduce the problem have delivered some good results in recent years.

However, he stated that authorities in the country can still go further to save the lives of even more women during childbirth.

Dr Osotimehim also highlighted improving access to contraception and family planning as another priority that needs to be addressed.

He warned that if action on this is not taken, the economic growth that results from efforts to drive sustainable development in Liberia will be "consumed totally".

Dr Osotimehim added that while the country is making progress in its efforts to achieve its Millennium Development Goals, it still has some way to go.

UNFPA is collaborating with the Liberian government to improve women's healthcare provision in the African nation, as well as the ease of accessing relevant information.

Posted by Paul Robertson