Surgery and Trauma Care
Before Partners in Health Liberia began working in Maryland County, 9 out of 10 people needing emergency and lifesaving surgery were likely to die or suffer severe disability, due to the absence of a surgeon in the southeast.
Our Impact
Since 2016, our Surgery and Trauma Care Program has performed over 4,500 general life-saving surgeries and reduced mortality from severe burns by more than 60% since wound care was introduced in 2019.
750general surgeriesperformed in 2024, excluding cesarian sections
830+life-saving C-sectionsperformed in 2024.
3,990inpatient admissionsrecorded in 2024.
Enhancing Surgical Safety
The use of general anesthesia in major surgeries has steadily increased in Liberia, marking a shift away from less reliable methods to laryngeal airway masks and endotracheal intubation. This improvement is attributed to the expertise of trained nurse anesthetists at Partners In Health (PIH)-supported facilities, who ensure patient safety throughout surgical procedures.
“Surgery is an integral, non-negotiable component of primary care in the developing world,” says Dr. Maxo Luma, executive director of PIH Liberia. “When surgery is well integrated into primary care, we save lives.”
Integration of Surgery in Primary Healthcare
Surgical services are a critical part of the overall primary healthcare framework, especially in developing regions. As Dr. Maxo Luma, Executive Director of PIH Liberia, emphasizes, effective integration of surgical care into primary healthcare delivery is vital for saving lives. This commitment ensures that surgery is not viewed as an isolated service but as an essential component of comprehensive health care.
Training and Capacity Building for Sustainable Health Systems
Efforts to expand and enhance the surgical workforce in Liberia are ongoing. At J.J. Dossen Memorial Hospital in Harper, residents and interns gain practical experience by working alongside experienced surgeons. This hands-on training covers fundamental surgical skills along with the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions. Such initiatives are integral to PIH Liberia’s broader mission to build resilient and sustainable health systems.
Furthermore, the Global Action to Improve Nurse Midwifery and Care (GAIN) program provides additional training and mentoring. This cross-site initiative, active in Liberia, Malawi, and Sierra Leone, has graduated thirty fellows since its inception in Liberia in November 2020. The program continues to empower nurses and midwives through both academic instruction and on-the-job learning, laying the groundwork for long-term career development in the health sector.
Commitment to Equitable and Accessible Surgical Care
PIH Liberia remains dedicated to delivering high-quality surgical care that is equitable, accessible, and affordable. As Dr. Sarah Anyango, Deputy Director of Clinical Services at PIH Liberia and an obstetrician, affirms, the ongoing commitment of Partners In Health ensures that communities across Maryland County receive the critical medical services they need. This steadfast focus on capacity building, training, and integration into primary health services underpins the continued progress of surgical care in Liberia.