MoH: Stillbirth Decreased by 13% in 2023
By Stephen V. Lansana
On Monday, January 8, 2024, the Premier News published a frontpage article which claims that the number of stillbirths in Sierra Leone has increased by 76% quoting data from the National Civil Registration Authority, NCRA. According to the publication, the number of stillbirths increased from 2,178 in 2022 to 3,842 in 2023.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) wishes it to be known that this purported trend differs from what has been recorded by MoH. Data from the ministry’s Health Information System show that Sierra Leone recorded 4,481 stillbirths in 2022 and 3,871 in 2023 representing a 13% reduction.
“It is very likely that improvement in the registration of stillbirths by NCRA may have explained the increase in their figure. But, the actual number of stillbirths reduced between 2022 and 2023 by 13% as indicated above,” The Ministry said in a statement.
In lieu of the above, MoH calls for more collaboration from other government agencies when it comes to matters dealing with health statistics. “This will help to improve data screening, data harmonization and accuracy of the final information given out to the public. The graph below explains more,” MoH said.