The Governments of Israel and Liberia have launched a groundbreaking health partnership aimed at strengthening neonatal care and protecting newborns during the critical “Golden Minute” the first 60 seconds after birth when timely intervention can determine survival. The initiative marks a major step forward in Liberia’s efforts to reduce neonatal mortality and improve maternal-child health outcomes across the country.
The program was unveiled during a strategic meeting between Ambassador Eynat Shlein, Head of MASHAV Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation and Dr. Meir Ezra, founder of Neonatologists for Africa, with Liberia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Kpoto. The partnership will introduce a neonatal resuscitation program designed to equip health workers with essential skills and tools to save newborn lives. According to the Ministry of Health, the collaboration seeks to address one of the leading causes of infant mortality in Liberia: the inability to provide effective resuscitation immediately after birth. By empowering frontline health workers with specialized training, the initiative is expected to significantly increase newborn survival rates.
As part of the first phase, a medical team led by Dr. Teyah Sackie Moore will conduct an initial assessment across six hospitals identified by the Ministry of Health. The team will evaluate current delivery room practices, equipment needs, and staff capacity in order to design a tailored, evidence-based training and support program for neonatal care providers. Ambassador Shlein expressed Israel’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s health sector, noting that saving the lives of newborns strengthens national resilience and promotes long-term development. Dr. Ezra also reiterated that the “Golden Minute” program has proven transformational in other African countries and is expected to be equally impactful in Liberia.
Minister Kpoto welcomed the partnership, describing it as timely and lifesaving. She emphasized the government’s commitment to working closely with international partners to improve neonatal outcomes and ensure that every Liberian child has a strong start at birth. The new neonatal resuscitation partnership will advance in the coming months with training activities, equipment support, and ongoing mentorship for healthcare providers. Both nations reaffirm their commitment to expanding cooperation in health and strengthening systems that protect the most vulnerable.
