Partnering to Support Education for Midwives and Nurses in Liberia

The midwifery and occupational health faculty of a U.S. university were approached by parish and health care leaders from Caldwell, Liberia, for assistance in addressing critical maternal health care needs in their community. Liberia has suffered setbacks in its efforts to improve health care for its people due to recent civil wars and the Ebola epidemic of 2014 to 2016. Initial discussions among international groups centered around realistic ways to help in the face of multiple compelling needs. Grant support for U.S. faculty to conduct exploratory meetings and educational workshops in Liberia was secured. Ethical principles and best practices in partnering across borders guided this partnership and include reciprocity, equity, and empowerment of health care workers, including nurses, midwives, community workers, and health center staff. Here, we describe the preparation for and implementation of these workshops, as well as plans for continuing collaborations that emerged from these workshops.