By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone is joining the global health community in commemorating this year’s World Health Day with the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” The Ministry of Health (MoH) is also celebrating a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to improve maternal and child health, marking a crucial chapter in its journey to reduce maternal mortality rates.
Recent global health data reveals promising progress for Sierra Leone. Between 2020 and 2023, the country successfully reduced maternal deaths from 443 to 354 per 100,000 live births, indicating a positive trajectory towards meeting its target of reducing maternal mortality to less than 300 by the end of 2025. Such a reduction serves as a clear signal that the nation is making strides towards a healthier future for its mothers and children, injecting a renewed sense of optimism and confidence in the collective efforts to tackle th long-standing health challenge.
However, despite this positive development, Sierra Leone’s maternal mortality rates (MMR) remain among the highest in the world. The country continues to face significant challenges in addressing maternal health, and it remains off track in meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1, which aims to reduce maternal mortality to fewer than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
The high maternal mortality rates continue to be a source of concern for the government, but Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby and his team are unwavering in their commitment to reducing these figures. “While we have made notable progress, the work is far from over,” Dr. Demby stated. “Every preventable maternal death is one too many, and we are determined to continue bending the curve of maternal mortality until no woman dies from preventable causes during pregnancy or childbirth.”
To accelerate progress, the Sierra Leonean government is doubling down on its efforts to improve the quality of healthcare services, particularly in maternal and child health. The government is mobilizing additional domestic resources and seeking increased collaboration with the private sector to address the gaps in the healthcare system. A key component of this approach is strengthening partnerships with international health development partners, ensuring that resources and expertise are maximized to benefit the country’s most vulnerable populations.
The focus on improving maternal and child health is part of Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all citizens, especially in rural and underserved areas. This includes increasing the number of skilled healthcare workers, expanding access to maternal health services, and providing critical infrastructure support to health facilities across the country.
Additionally, the government is prioritizing community-based interventions that empower local communities to take charge of their health. Educational campaigns, as well as outreach programs targeting expectant mothers and families, are playing an essential role in raising awareness about the importance of antenatal care and safe childbirth practices.
The progress made by Sierra Leone in maternal health over the past few years is a testament to the country’s resilience and commitment to improving the lives of its citizens. Yet, the fight to reduce maternal mortality is far from complete, and much work remains to be done.
As Sierra Leone marks World Health Day 2025, the government, health professionals, and development partners remain united in their mission to reduce maternal mortality rates and ensure that every pregnancy results in a healthy mother and child. Through continued investment, collaboration, and determination, Sierra Leone is poised to meet its goals and create a healthier, more hopeful future for its people.
