Sierra Leone’s Commitment to Maternal and Newborn Health on World Health Day 2025

On April 7, 2025, Sierra Leone commemorated World Health Day in collaboration with WHO, focusing on reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths. The event launched a Maternal and Newborn Health Campaign aimed at increasing health system responsiveness. WHO and the Ministry of Health reported significant strides in reducing maternal mortality, advocating for sustained efforts and investments in health initiatives to ensure the safety and health of mothers and children.

On April 7, 2025, Sierra Leone commemorated World Health Day in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” The purpose of this event was to enhance systems and partnerships that ensure the survival and well-being of every woman and newborn. Key health stakeholders, media representatives, and officials from the Ministry of Health participated in discussions aimed at reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths in the country. This event also marked the launch of a comprehensive Maternal and Newborn Health Campaign, focusing on addressing the public health crisis of preventable mortality.

Dr. George Ameh, WHO Country Representative, highlighted the significant progress made by the Sierra Leonean government in reducing maternal and newborn deaths. He credited the bold actions taken, such as declaring maternal and newborn deaths a national emergency in 2019. According to Dr. Ameh, these measures have led to a remarkable 78% decline in maternal mortality since 2000, making Sierra Leone a leader in maternal health improvements across Africa. He emphasized the importance of continuous investment in maternal and newborn health, which yields crucial societal and economic benefits.

Dr. Austin Demby unveiled the UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group’s latest findings, showcasing Sierra Leone’s achievement of reducing maternal mortality from 443 to 354 per 100,000 live births from 2020 to 2023. He strongly advocated for sustaining and building upon this momentum to reach the goal of reducing maternal mortality to below 300 by 2025. Dr. Demby underscored the critical link between a healthy beginning and a prosperous future, reaffirming the government’s commitment to eliminating preventable deaths among mothers and children.

The government has implemented a structured approach to track maternal and child mortality through the Incident Management System, which involves documenting each case to facilitate timely response actions. Dr. Demby highlighted the importance of accountability within the healthcare system, implementing mechanisms such as Prestrack to monitor pregnancies more effectively. He reiterated the government’s pledge to support the efforts of WHO and partners in providing essential health services across Sierra Leone.

As part of the year-long maternal and newborn health campaign, WHO and its partners will coordinate a range of interventions, including community outreach and training for healthcare workers to improve service delivery. Additionally, WHO is working with the Sierra Leone Blood Bank to ensure that vital blood supplies are available for mothers and other individuals experiencing emergencies.

In conclusion, Sierra Leone’s commitment to improving maternal and newborn health was underscored during the World Health Day 2025 celebrations. Significant strides have been made in reducing mortality rates, yet continued efforts are essential to sustain progress. Collaboration between the government, WHO, and various partners will be crucial in implementing targeted interventions and ensuring the health and well-being of mothers and children in the nation. The ongoing campaign represents a hopeful commitment to fostering a healthier future for all.

Original Source: www.afro.who.int