By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Sierra Leone has recorded a significant decline in maternal mortality, with deaths dropping from 443 to 354 per 100,000 live births between 2020 and 2023. This achievement was announced by Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby during the commemoration of World Health Day 2025, held on Monday 7th April, 2025 at the Ministry’s Conference Room at Youyi Building in Freetown.
The data, released by the UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group, marks the country’s highest rate of annual reduction over the past eight years and places Sierra Leone on a promising trajectory toward its 2025 target of fewer than 300 deaths per 100,000 live births.
“This is good news for Sierra Leone,” said Dr. Austin Demby. “It shows that the measures we are putting in place are working — from improved surveillance to targeted maternal health programs. But while we celebrate, we recognize that our work is far from over.”
This year’s World Health Day, celebrated globally under the theme: “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” comes with a localized focus: “Tackling the Public Health Emergency of Preventable Maternal and Child Mortality.” The theme is closely aligned with Sierra Leone’s declaration of maternal and child mortality as a public health emergency, made to accelerate national efforts and investments in life-saving interventions.
Dr. Austin Demby highlighted the Government’s use of the Person-Centered Life Stages Approach, currently active in Moyamba District and soon to be rolled out nationwide. This approach ensures that care begins even before conception and continues through each stage of life.
He further outlined innovative steps the Ministry is taking, including the Incident Management System (IMS) for maternal and child mortality, and the Prestrack application, which helps track pregnancies and enables early, targeted responses.
“Maternal and newborn health is both a moral and social imperative,” he emphasized. “Through accountability, innovation and investment, we are building a health system that delivers safe motherhood and thriving childhood.”
Dr. George Ameh, WHO Representative to Sierra Leone, praised the country’s ongoing efforts and achievements in reducing maternal and child mortality. He noted that Sierra Leone has achieved a 78% reduction in maternal deaths since 2000, one of the most significant improvements in the WHO African region.
“Globally, every seven seconds a mother or child dies from preventable causes,” Dr. George Ameh said. “Sierra Leone’s commitment to reversing this trend is commendable. The WHO will continue to stand with the country in meeting its health targets, including the SDG goal of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.”
He emphasized the need for continued investment in high-impact maternal and newborn interventions, emergency obstetric care and removal of barriers that prevent access to quality care.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sartie M. Kanneh, called for sustained collaboration, highlighting that healthcare must begin before pregnancy and continue through every life stage. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to eliminating preventable maternal and child deaths and announced the formation of a new national committee to intensify those efforts.
“This is not just a health issue; it’s a national priority,” said Dr. Sartie M. Kanneh. “It requires all of us: health professionals, communities, partners and families. Everyone has a role to play.”
The 2025 World Health Day commemoration in Sierra Leone served as a reflection on how far the country has come and a powerful reminder of the road ahead. While recent achievements signal progress, the Government and its partners remain focused on ensuring no mother dies giving life and no child dies before realizing their potential.
“Let us work hand in hand,” Dr. Austin Demby concluded, “to give our mothers and babies the healthy beginnings they deserve and the hopeful futures we all envision.”
