Closing the Gap in Maternal Care

Felix Glay Kuwen always dreamed of pursuing a university education right after high school to support himself and his family. His journey reflects a reality faced by many young people in rural Liberia, where ambition often collides with economic hardship. Determined to pursue higher education, Felix instead found himself balancing school with the urgent responsibility of providing for a young family. What began as a struggle for survival would later become a story of resilience, opportunity, and entry into Liberia’s frontline health workforce

“I used to cut palm to produce oil for sale and sometimes go to the Government Camp (a well-known artisanal gold mine in Sinoe County) to hustle for my school fees and to support my family,” Felix recalled. Following his graduation in 2010, the struggle escalated, and the prospect of furthering his education seemed increasingly out of reach.

In December 2022, Felix decided to take a leap of faith. He sat for the entrance exam at the Deanna Kay Isaacson School of Midwifery (DKISM) in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, and passed. To pay for his admission, he sold a bundle of zinc he had intended to use to reroof his leaking thatched house. Once enrolled for the first semester, he quickly realized the complexity of his circumstances. Taking on community work in Zwedru provided him with some income, but not enough to cover his daily expenses and pay campus fees. 

When Felix discovered Partners In Health Liberia’s (PIHL) Global Action In Nursing (GAIN) scholarship program, he saw an opportunity to fulfill his educational dream. He applied and was thrilled to be accepted. The GAIN scholarship program aims to enhance the midwifery workforce and improve patient-centered care by equipping the next generation of midwives with the knowledge and skills needed to manage maternal and neonatal emergencies. It’s also building a future where communities can access dignified, safe, and reliable care. Felix considers the scholarship a pivotal moment in his academic journey. 

“I don’t think I would have completed this level of my studies without the PIH scholarship. I feel extremely proud because my life has changed, and I feel empowered. When I reflect on where I started and where I am today, I know that God has taken me from ashes to glory,” he said.

He described the scholarship as invaluable for him and his peers. “Through the scholarship, we receive money for food, transportation, and even school materials,” Felix explained. It also allowed him to buy a smartphone, which has been crucial for his assignments and research. The GAIN program supports students at various institutions, including the Deanna Kay Isaason School of Midwifery in Zwedru, William V. S. Tubman University in Harper, and the Mother Patern College of Health Sciences in Monrovia.

Felix expressed his gratitude and hope for ongoing support from PIH: “I hope they continue their efforts to help students like me. There are many friends of mine with stories that are even more challenging. I wish their (PIH/GAIN) support can continue, so that they can complete their educational journey as well.” At the 14th postwar graduation ceremony of the Deanna Kay Isaason School of Midwifery, Felix was honored with the award for “Best Student for Outstanding Academic Performance in All Clinical Courses during the Academic Period from 2023 to 2025.”

Felix is among the 33 aspiring midwifery students who have so far been empowered by the program since its inception in 2022 to pursue Diplomas in Midwifery. To date, 19 of these students have graduated and earned their licenses as Registered Midwives, marking a significant milestone in strengthening Liberia’s health care system. The journey began in 2020 with partnership discussions between Partners In Health Liberia and the DKISM. Although delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the official Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 2022, solidifying a collaboration to address critical gaps in maternal and neonatal care.  

Another inspiring story comes from Harper, Maryland County, where Emma W. Davis is quietly redefining what is possible. A mother of four boys, Emma graduated from high school in 2012 and, like many women striving to support their families, turned to street-selling to make ends meet. Despite her determination and hard work, sustaining her household remained a constant struggle. In 2022, through careful saving from her small business, she managed to register for and take the school’s entrance exam. After learning about the PIH/GAIN scholarship program, Emma applied and was fortunate to receive assistance – a turning point that would change the trajectory of her life. 

Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “Today, I feel so proud of myself for how far I have come in my education.” Emma is delighted to have found a profession that has dramatically boosted her self-esteem and confidence.

“I am happy about myself. I used to feel bad seeing my friends go to school while I roamed the streets selling rubber dishes. I thought my life would never change, but now I am proud.”

PIH-L Nursing Lead, Marshall Sackey, says the ripple effect of the PIH/GAIN partnership is evident in Maryland County, where 21 health facilities are now staffed with DKISM-trained midwives. He said these professionals are not only enhancing the quality and safety of maternal care but also ensuring timely recognition and referral of emergency cases—saving lives and improving outcomes for mothers and newborns.  

This partnership between PIH and DKISM is more than just an educational initiative—it’s a transformative step toward advancing Liberia’s health system and securing brighter, healthier futures for its people.