By Foday Moriba Conteh
On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Victor Lansana Koroma, the Executive Director of Health Alert Sierra Leone, delivered a passionate address during a press conference held at GGEM Hall on John Street in Freetown, urging Parliament to pass the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill, 2024.
The proposed Bill, currently under legislative review, aims to transform maternal health in Sierra Leone by addressing the country’s alarmingly high maternal mortality rate and ensuring access to reproductive health services for women and girls.
In his statement, Victor Lansana Koroma, the Executive Director of Health Alert Sierra Leone emphasized the urgency of the Bill, citing the 3 to 4 maternal deaths that occur daily in Sierra Leone due to preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth. He painted a vivid picture of the devastating impact on families and communities, underscoring the need for bold action.
“The Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Act, 2024, is more than just legislation,” Koroma stated. “It is a promise to the women of this nation a promise that their lives matter, their health is a priority, and their future deserves protection.”
Koroma highlighted the transformative potential of the Bill, which seeks to enhance healthcare services for pregnant women, mothers, and children, guarantee access to prenatal care, safe delivery, and postnatal support, provide affordable healthcare to marginalized and vulnerable groups and address unsafe abortions by offering safe, regulated options under specific circumstances, such as cases of rape, incest, or non-viable pregnancies.
Koroma stressed that the Bill is not about promoting safe termination but about saving lives and ensuring dignity for women facing difficult circumstances.
Imagining a Sierra Leone where every woman has access to quality healthcare, every girl can stay in school, and no family loses a mother to preventable causes, Koroma called for collective commitment from all stakeholders.
“This Bill will save lives, empower young girls, and strengthen families and communities,” he asserted.
Koroma urged Parliamentarians to demonstrate leadership by passing the Bill, signaling a commitment to women’s rights and health. He also called on citizens to engage in open conversations about reproductive health and join efforts to build a healthier, more inclusive Sierra Leone.
Health Alert Sierra Leone, he noted, stands ready to support the implementation of the Bill by educating communities, advocating for resources, and holding stakeholders accountable.
Speaking on behalf of Sierra Leone’s youth, Mohamed Awuah Kamara, Team Lead of AY-Mechanism underscored the importance of the Bill in safeguarding the future of young people and their families. He noted that with youth representing the largest segment of the country’s population, addressing gaps in maternal and reproductive health is pivotal for national progress.
“Supporting this Act is not just about improving health outcomes,” Kamara stated. “It is about securing a better future for all young people in Sierra Leone.”
Kamara outlined several key areas where the Bill will make a significant impact which include reducing Teenage Pregnancies, adding that with Sierra Leone ranking among the countries with the highest teenage pregnancy rates globally, Kamara stressed the need for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education. He highlighted that over 30% of girls aged 15-19 become mothers, a statistics the Bill seeks to reduce by empowering adolescents to make informed decisions.
Ensuring Access to Youth-Friendly Health Services Kamara pointed out that many young people face stigma when seeking reproductive healthcare. The Bill, he noted, mandates the provision of non-judgmental, youth-friendly services tailored to adolescents’ needs.
Ending Unsafe Abortions he pointed out that unsafe abortions remain a major contributor to maternal deaths, particularly among young women. Kamara emphasized the Bill’s provisions for safe abortion services under specific conditions, which will save countless lives and protect women from dangerous, unregulated procedures.
Kamara called for immediate action to ensure the success of the Safe Motherhood Bill, urging leaders to prioritize the following age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health education in schools and communities, confidential and youth-friendly health services, free from stigma or judgment and safe spaces for adolescents to access care and support.
Addressing Parliament, Kamara urged swift passage of the Bill, emphasizing its importance for the next generation. “By prioritizing maternal and reproductive health, we are investing in a brighter future for Sierra Leone,” he concluded.
The Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Act, 2024, has garnered strong support from youth leaders like Kamara, who see it as a beacon of hope for a healthier, empowered, and more equitable society. The call for action now lies in the hands of Sierra Leone’s leaders to make this vision a reality.
The Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill, 2024, is seen as a critical step toward achieving gender equality and reducing maternal mortality in Sierra Leone. Its passage would reflect a national commitment to protecting and uplifting women and girls, paving the way for a brighter future for all Sierra Leoneans.
