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ADNews- Rivercess County: The Ruth Coker-Collins Development Foundation (RCCDF) has certified more than 180 trained traditional midwives in Rivercess County, marking a major step toward strengthening community-based healthcare and improving maternal and child health outcomes in rural Liberia.
By: Benjamin Quaye Johnson
The certification ceremony, held Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Yarkpa Town, drew traditional leaders, healthcare practitioners, women’s groups, community members and institutional representatives from across the county. More than 200 participants paraded through the streets of Yarkpa Town ahead of the program, underscoring public support for the initiative.
The event highlighted RCCDF’s growing grassroots engagement and its focus on women, girls and frontline health workers. The foundation, established nearly a year ago, works in women’s empowerment, healthcare advocacy, education, youth engagement and collaboration with traditional institutions.
Speaking at the ceremony, former Public Works Minister and RCCDF Chief Executive Officer Ruth Coker-Collins reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to reaching underserved communities, particularly rural women and healthcare providers.
“As a woman, I understand the unique challenges women face, especially in our rural communities,” Coker-Collins said. “These trained traditional midwives are often the first point of contact for pregnant women. They work tirelessly, sometimes under very difficult conditions, to save lives.”
She noted that many of the midwives leave their homes at dawn and work long hours with limited resources, yet remain committed to serving their communities.
“They serve as a bridge between the hospital and the community,” she said. “Their commitment and sacrifice deserve recognition, encouragement and continued support.”
Coker-Collins also commended the role of traditional leaders, including chiefs, whose involvement continues to strengthen community development efforts.
“Development is not a one-person effort,” she said. “It requires partnership, listening to the people, understanding their needs and working together to find lasting solutions.”
She encouraged the newly certified midwives to remain steadfast, assuring them that RCCDF would continue advocating for their recognition and integration into the broader healthcare system.
Former Health Minister Wilhelmina Jallah praised RCCDF for what she described as a timely and impactful intervention.
“This program honors a remarkable group of women,” Jallah said. “These traditional midwives are the lifeline of many families across Rivercess County. Their knowledge, passed down through generations, has supported countless women through pregnancy and childbirth.”
Jallah emphasized that beyond medical assistance, traditional midwives provide emotional support and reassurance to expectant mothers, often under difficult and resource-limited conditions. She acknowledged challenges including long travel distances, limited supplies and demanding working environments, and commended the midwives’ resilience and dedication.
“Your experience and commitment have not gone unnoticed,” she said. “On behalf of the health sector, I say thank you for your role in protecting the lives of mothers and children.”
She also called for continued collaboration among government institutions, development partners, foundations and local communities to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery nationwide.
The certification ceremony marked a milestone for the midwives, providing formal recognition of their contributions and renewed motivation to continue their work.
In an appreciation message, a representative of the trained traditional midwives of Rivercess County thanked RCCDF for its continued support for women, girls and youth empowerment, particularly in the healthcare sector. The representative described Coker-Collins as “our own daughter,” crediting the foundation for responding to long-standing concerns.
The midwives noted that the certificates and gifts presented had strengthened their resolve to continue supporting nurses and doctors by safely escorting pregnant women to clinics and hospitals. However, they highlighted ongoing challenges, including the absence of stipends, the loss of small incentives previously provided for patient escorts, and the lack of basic tools such as rain boots and flashlights.
Despite these challenges, the midwives said they often rise as early as 2 a.m. to transport pregnant women to health facilities without compensation. They appealed to the government and development partners for assistance.
The group concluded by thanking Coker-Collins and RCCDF for standing with them and advocating on their behalf, describing the initiative as a vital contribution to strengthening community healthcare delivery in Rivercess County.
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