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The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has highlighted significant achievements in Sierra Leone’s health sector, emphasizing a shift from disease-focused interventions to a patient-centered, life-stage approach aimed at ensuring universal health coverage.
Speaking at the weekly government press briefing at the Miatta Conference Centre, Dr. Demby reported that maternal mortality has dropped by 76%, marking one of the fastest declines globally.
Improvements in infant survival rates were also noted, alongside consistent vaccination coverage above 95% over the past five years.
The Minister also underscored the country’s progress in controlling Mpox, stating: “From over 5,200 reported cases at the peak, we are now seeing single-digit cases daily, with several days recording zero cases nationwide.”
On strengthening the health workforce, Dr. Demby revealed that 5,000 new health workers have been recruited, with 3,000 additional positions now open through a transparent electronic recruitment portal developed in collaboration with the Health Service Commission and the HRMO. He explained that the system ensures recruitment is based strictly on merit, ending previous influence-based practices.
“This is an exciting opportunity to build a competent and professional health workforce,” the Minister emphasized, noting that these reforms are critical to improving service delivery and quality healthcare for all citizens.
Dr. Demby concluded by thanking President Julius Maada Bio and the Ministry of Finance for their unwavering support, asserting that Sierra Leone is on a strong path toward achieving universal health coverage.
