The Ministry of Health today engaged the leadership and staff of the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH) in Freetown to discuss strategies for further improving maternal and child health outcomes in Sierra Leone. This meeting is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates and enhance healthcare delivery nationwide.

Sierra Leone has made remarkable strides in addressing maternal and child health. In 2008, the country had one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with 1,165 deaths per 100,000 live births. However, under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, these figures were reduced to 717 by 2019. The maternal mortality rate has since improved, declining to 443 per 100,000 live births by 2023, one of the steepest declines in the African sub-region. The Ministry of Health is now focused on reducing this figure to less than 300 by 2025, aiming to reach 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Developme
nt Goals (SDGs).

During the engagement at PCMH, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mustapha Kabba, emphasized the importance of upgrading and maintaining essential medical equipment to ensure the hospital’s smooth operation. He noted that PCMH now has an adequate supply of necessary medications and medical materials, crucial for delivering high-quality care. Dr. Kabba highlighted that achieving further reductions in maternal mortality will require strong commitment and collaboration from all stakeholders.

“To reduce maternal mortality, a strong commitment from all parties is required to work towards this shared goal,” Dr. Kabba stated. He added that the Ministry of Health is unwaveringly dedicated to sustaining efforts, building partnerships, and ensuring the well-being of mothers and children across Sierra Leone. “Together, we can create a safer and healthier future for mothers and their families in our communities,” he concluded, instilling confidence in the audience about the government’s commitment.

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n response, the Acting Medical Superintendent of PCMH, Dr Amadu Sesay, affirmed the hospital’s commitment to drastically reducing maternal and child mortality in the coming months. He emphasized the need for continuous training and capacity building for healthcare providers to ensure they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills in maternal healthcare, instilling a sense of security and confidence in the audience about the skills of the healthcare professionals.

The meeting concluded with an inspection of ongoing renovation works at the hospital’s Outpatient Department (OPD), Pharmacy, and Laboratory. This rehabilitation effort is part of the Ministry of Health’s broader strategy to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve service delivery at PCMH.

Source : Sierra Leone News Agency