USAID: WASH, Nutrition, and Health:
A New Life for Liberian Communities
Winfred Rogers and Sarah © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
In Liberia, a simple trip to the health clinic can make the difference between life and death for countless children. Mothers like Winfred Rogers know this too well. At 41, she has faced the tragedy of losing a child due to preventable illness. Now, she makes a dedicated effort to bring her four-month-old baby, Sarah, to Genesis Clinic in Thinkers Village, just outside of Monrovia. Winfred shares, “I lost a child once because I couldn’t reach the health centre on time. Now, I bring Sarah here to make sure she has a healthy start in life.” Winfred used to walk nearly six kilometres for these essential services, but today, thanks to UNICEF's partnership with USAID, essential healthcare is closer and more reliable for families like hers.
Mothers visiting Genesis Clinic © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
“I believe vaccinations are essential for a child’s health. They give our children a fighting chance.”
At Genesis Clinic, mothers bring their children for vaccinations, ensuring that they are protected from life-threatening diseases. For Rebecca, a 27-year-old mother who lost twins in 2014, vaccinations are not just about healthcare; they are a symbol of hope. Holding her baby, Aloysious, she shares, “I believe vaccinations are essential for a child’s health. They give our children a fighting chance.”
Mothers bring their children for a health check and vaccination at Genesis Clinic © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
UNICEF and USAID’s partnership has enhanced Liberia’s healthcare facilities, particularly in remote areas. Through USAID’s contributions, clinics are now equipped with reliable WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) resources, from improved sanitation stations to cold storage units for vaccines. This infrastructure, such as the refrigeration system at Genesis Clinic, is critical to preserving the potency of vaccines, allowing children to receive the care they need without interruption. Deconthee Korlubah, a dedicated vaccinator at the clinic, explains, “With the new fridge, vaccines are always available, meaning we can vaccinate more children, and parents don’t need to worry about waiting or long journeys.”
“With the new fridge, vaccines are always available, meaning we can vaccinate more children, and parents don’t need to worry about waiting or long journeys.”
Deconthee Korlubah talking to mothers at Genesis Clinic © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
“I once lost my baby, in my arms, right before entering a hospital as she fell sick and was not vaccinated”
The impact of these services extends far beyond the clinic doors. At the Sinje Health Center, Wokie Sambala, a mother of three, underscores the vital importance of vaccination education. On maternity leave, holding her baby in her arms, Wokie speaks with gratitude about the knowledge she’s gained through clinic visits, explaining how the emphasis on vaccination and hygiene has profoundly impacted her approach to her family’s health. For mothers like Margret Berry, these lessons are a powerful reminder of past heartbreak. Having lost a child in her arms just before reaching a hospital due to a lack of vaccination, Margret is committed to ensuring her youngest daughter receives timely vaccinations. “I once lost my baby, in my arms, right before entering a hospital as she fell sick and was not vaccinated,” she recalls. Her story highlights a shared dedication among these mothers to prioritise health for their children and those under their care, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for the next generation.
Margret Berry with her baby at Sinje Health Center © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
A Safe Path to Health and Wellness:
Nurturing Strong Futures through Knowledge and Care
UNICEF’s mission in Liberia is rooted in a commitment to protect and empower the youngest members of society, creating a safe and supportive environment for every child. Despite this, malnutrition and illness continue to pose serious challenges to children’s well-being. Families often travel long distances to access care, like Ibrahem Flowers, a 47-year-old electrician, who brought his son Corivalaous for a check-up at Gardnersville Clinic following his treatment for malnutrition. After the mother of his child left, Ibrahem committed himself to his son’s health, understanding the importance of vaccinations and regular check-ups. Through UNICEF’s collaboration with the Ministry of Health, these essential services are becoming more accessible, ensuring that more families can reach the care they need to keep their children healthy and thriving.
Ibrahem Flowers and his son Corivalaous at Gardnersville Clinic © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
At the Gardnersville Community Clinic, mothers like Fatu Miare, a nurse and a mother herself, actively educate others about the importance of breastfeeding. “Breastfeeding can mean the difference between a strong, healthy child and one who is sick. This is something all mothers need to know,” Fatu explains passionately. These clinics are not only places of healing but also centres of learning and transformation.
Fatu Miare © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
For those struggling with malnutrition, UNICEF has developed supportive initiatives to address these challenges. Mothers, like Tanneh P. Doe, have experienced the transformative effects of these programs firsthand. With her 11-month-old son, Bobby, now thriving after overcoming moderate malnutrition, Tanneh’s story is a strong proof to the impact of proper care and nutrition. Tukey Williams,19, another beneficiary of these programs, reflects on the progress his daughter, Giftee, has made thanks to the clinic’s comprehensive approach to health. “When we came here, she was underweight and weak. Now, she’s active, and I feel hopeful,” he shares, her words resonating thankfulness to the significance of UNICEF’s work.
Mothers: Tukey with her daughter Giftee, and Tanneh with her son Bobby (respectively) © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
In collaboration with USAID, UNICEF’s programs extend beyond health and hygiene to empower Liberian families with essential knowledge about nutrition.Elijah Varney Sesay, a UN volunteer working closely with UNICEF, spends his days actively engaging with the community, promoting essential health services, and raising awareness about the importance of vaccinations and hygiene practices. Acting as a bridge between UNICEF and the local communities, Elijah explains that these initiatives are about more than just healthcare: they are about building a culture of safety and health, ensuring that parents and caregivers feel supported and informed.
Elijah is informing young people © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
As UNICEF addresses malnutrition through its transformative initiatives, it also recognizes the vital role of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in fostering overall health and well-being, exemplified by the impact of its programs in schools like Medina Public School. The Medina Public School in Medina Township has implemented UNICEF's WASH programs, providing clean water and sanitation facilities for students. Allen, 19; Salla, 14; Miatta, 16, three students, share how the availability of these facilities has changed their understanding of hygiene. They acknowledge the need for ongoing education in maintaining these resources, expressing the hope that future generations will grow up with an appreciation for hygiene and the importance of clean water.
Kutar C. Morgan © Vincent Tremeau/Unicef Liberia
Unicef's WASH Programme sanitary facilities in Medina Public School © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
Building a Healthier Future for Every Child in Liberia
Through the collaborative efforts of USAID and UNICEF, families across Liberia are discovering new avenues for a healthier, thriving future. With each clinic visit, vaccination, and hygiene lesson, parents and children are equipped with essential tools to overcome challenges and foster resilient communities. As UNICEF enhances vaccine accessibility through improved cold chain logistics and community engagement, every mother who brings her child to a health clinic and every volunteer who promotes awareness plays a vital role in creating a Liberia where health, safety, and hope transform from aspirations into realities. The ongoing training for health workers, integration of nutrition and vaccination services, and community advocacy for clean water and sanitation underscore this commitment. Together, UNICEF and USAID continue to forge pathways to health, security, and empowerment, ensuring that every child in Liberia has the opportunity to grow up strong, safe, and well-nourished.
