By Forum staff writer
Sierra Leone has recorded a significant reduction in maternal mortality in Kono District, a development health officials attribute to the impact of the Maternal Centre of Excellence operating in the area.
The progress was disclosed by Isata Dumbuya, Director of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health at Partners In Health Sierra Leone. She said the facility has played a vital role in improving outcomes for pregnant women and newborns by offering specialised and timely medical care.
According to Madam Dumbuya, the centre is equipped with modern medical infrastructure and staffed by trained health professionals who are dedicated to addressing complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. She explained that the presence of skilled personnel and improved equipment has strengthened the quality of care available to women in the district.
She noted that while the Maternal Centre of Excellence focuses on maternal and newborn services, Koidu Government Hospital continues to provide a wide range of general medical services to the population. The collaboration between the two facilities, she said, has contributed to a more efficient and responsive healthcare system in Kono.
Madam Dumbuya highlighted that one of the key drivers behind the reduction in maternal deaths is the increased attention given to skilled birth attendance and emergency obstetric care. She stressed that timely intervention during pregnancy and delivery remains essential in preventing avoidable deaths.
She also underscored the importance of midwifery in safeguarding maternal and newborn health. According to her, midwives play a central role in providing care before, during and after childbirth, ensuring that mothers receive the support they need throughout the process.
While acknowledging global progress in reducing maternal mortality, she pointed out that challenges still exist, particularly in low resource settings. She revealed that there is an urgent need for about one million additional midwives worldwide to meet growing demands and improve maternal health outcomes.
Madam Dumbuya encouraged young women across Sierra Leone to consider careers in midwifery, describing it as a noble and impactful profession that directly contributes to saving lives. She also called on practicing midwives and other healthcare workers to maintain high standards of professionalism, compassion and dedication in their work.
Health experts believe that sustained investment in maternal healthcare services, alongside continuous training of medical personnel, will be key to maintaining and expanding the gains recorded in Kono. The success of the Maternal Centre of Excellence is seen as a model that could be replicated in other parts of the country to further reduce maternal deaths.
The development marks an important step in Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its healthcare system and improve the wellbeing of mothers and children.
