By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Honourable Kenyeh Barlay, is representing the country at the 58th Session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development (CPD58), taking place in New York from April 7 to 11, 2025.
This year’s session is being held under the theme “Ensuring Healthy Lives and Promoting Well-Being for All at All Ages;” and it brings together global leaders to discuss and promote vital issues related to health and well-being.
Minister Barlay was the first speaker to address the General Debate, delivering a powerful joint statement on behalf of 78 countries. Her remarks underscored a united commitment among nations to improving health outcomes worldwide, with a particular focus on reducing maternal and new-born mortality rates. Barlay emphasized the necessity of global cooperation in tackling such challenges, advocating for strategies that ensure equitable access to health services for all communities, particularly those in low-resource settings.
She stressed the importance of strengthening health systems in every country, and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s dedication to improving the well-being of its citizens. “Sierra Leone is fully committed to improving the health outcomes of our population,” she stated. “We recognize the critical need to invest in our health systems to ensure that every individual, regardless of age or background, has access to the care they need to live healthy lives.”
The minister’s participation in CPD58 also included taking part in high-level discussions focused on pressing global health issues. One of the highlights was a session titled “Global United Front for Sustaining SDG 3 and Reducing Maternal and Child Mortality Worldwide,” which brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, development organizations, and healthcare experts.
During the session, Barlay had the opportunity to share Sierra Leone’s progress in reducing maternal and child mortality and discuss strategies to enhance the global effort in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
Furthermore, Minister Barlay participated in a panel discussion titled “Unleashing the Power of Midwifery to Advance Women’s and New-borns’ Health,” a crucial conversation in the fight to improve maternal and new-born health outcomes.
The panel brought attention to the critical role that midwives play in providing quality care to women and new-borns, especially in underserved communities. Barlay highlighted Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to invest in midwifery education and training as part of a broader strategy to reduce maternal mortality and improve the overall health of women and children in the country.
Minister Barlay was accompanied by Dr. Sheka Bangura, Director of Planning, Policy and Research at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development. Dr. Bangura’s presence further emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to not only strengthening health systems but also ensuring that sound policies and strategies are in place to sustain progress toward the country’s health goals.
Throughout the session, Sierra Leone’s contributions reflected the country’s strong focus on health as a central pillar of its development agenda. The delegation underscored the importance of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and continued investment in health systems to tackle challenges related to maternal and child health. Minister Barlay’s participation in CPD58 highlights Sierra Leone’s active role in global health discussions and its dedication to advancing the health and well-being of its citizens and those around the world.
As the conference continues, minister Barlay and the Sierra Leonean delegation remain committed to advocating for the health and well-being of all people, with a focus on the most vulnerable groups, including women, children, and marginalized communities.
