Capitol Hill, May 18, 2026 – The School of Midwifery within the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences (ULCHS) held a day’s celebration to mark the 2026 International Day of the Midwife on May 5, 2026.

Celebrated under the global theme, “One Million More Midwives,” the outdoor program on the UL Capitol Hill campus brought together midwife students, faculty, and administrators from the university, along with other invitees.

In her keynote address, Ms. Laurene Hawa Nyenpan, a preceptor in the School of Midwifery, stated that Liberian midwives rise every day with resilience and determination, despite facing limited resources, a workforce shortage, and challenges in accessing remote areas.

Yet, despite these constraints, Nyenpan said midwives have never been confined by borders – adding that from rural clinics to urban hospitals, and from high-resource settings to communities facing significant challenges, midwives share a common purpose: to save lives and uphold dignity at the most crucial moments of life.

Furthermore, Nyenpan noted that the goal of one million more midwives must also mean producing one million well-trained, well-supported, and well-respected professionals. She stated that it requires strengthening education systems, investing in faculty, and ensuring that midwives have the tools, the environment, and the recognition they need.

“This is where the strength of international teams becomes essential. When we collaborate across countries, sharing knowledge, training, innovation, and support, we amplify our impact,” Ms. Nyenpan said.

Meanwhile, in special remarks, Mrs. Cynthia K.B. Jones, UL Midwives Program Coordinator, admonished the students that the skills and knowledge they are acquiring now are meant to make a real difference in the lives of mothers, babies, and families – especially by ensuring safety during pregnancy, delivery, and healthier communities tomorrow.

According to Mrs. Jones, the path chosen by the midwives is one of charity and service, describing it as one of the most essential movements in the life of human beings, particularly at the time of childbirth.