By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, April 7, 2025—Sierra Leone has achieved a remarkable reduction in maternal mortality, with deaths decreasing from 443 to 354 per 100,000 live births between 2020 and 2023. This milestone was announced by Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby during the commemoration of World Health Day 2025 at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Freetown.
The statistics, provided by the UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group, represent the country’s highest rate of annual reduction in maternal deaths over the past eight years. This progress positions Sierra Leone closer to its 2025 target of fewer than 300 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
“This is good news for Sierra Leone,” stated Dr. Demby. “It shows that our initiatives, from enhanced surveillance to targeted maternal health programs, are delivering results. While we celebrate, we acknowledge that there’s more work to be done.”
World Health Day 2025, globally themed “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” was localized to reflect Sierra Leone’s urgent priority: “Tackling the Public Health Emergency of Preventable Maternal and Child Mortality.” This focus aligns with the country’s declaration of maternal and child mortality as a public health emergency, aimed at accelerating investment in life-saving interventions.
During his address, Dr. Demby highlighted the Person-Centered Life Stages Approach, currently implemented in Moyamba District and set for national expansion. This method offers continuous care, beginning before conception and extending through every stage of life.
Dr. Demby also outlined innovative tools such as the Incident Management System (IMS) for maternal and child mortality, and the Prestrack application, which monitors pregnancies and facilitates early intervention.
“Maternal and newborn health is both a moral and social imperative,” he emphasized. “We are building a health system rooted in accountability, innovation, and investment.”
Dr. George Ameh, WHO Representative to Sierra Leone, commended the country’s progress, noting that maternal deaths have decreased by 78% since 2000—one of the most significant achievements in the WHO African region.
“Sierra Leone’s commitment to reducing preventable maternal and child deaths is admirable,” Dr. Ameh remarked. “The WHO remains dedicated to supporting the nation in meeting its health targets, including the Sustainable Development Goal of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.”
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sartie M. Kanneh stressed the importance of collaboration, calling for collective action from health professionals, communities, partners, and families to sustain the progress. He announced the formation of a national committee to intensify efforts in addressing maternal and child mortality.
“This is not just a health issue—it’s a national priority,” said Dr. Kanneh. “Everyone has a role to play.”
The World Health Day commemoration underscored Sierra Leone’s achievements while highlighting the continued need for focus and investment to ensure no mother dies giving birth and no child dies before reaching their potential.
“Let us work hand in hand,” concluded Dr. Demby, “to provide our mothers and babies with the healthy beginnings they deserve and the hopeful futures we envision.”