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The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, has called for urgent and coordinated action to reduce preventable newborn deaths in Sierra Leone, describing neonatal mortality as a significant contributor to the country’s child mortality rate.
Dr. Mahoi made the call while delivering a goodwill message at the 2nd Annual Conference of the Pediatric Association of Sierra Leone, held under the theme, “Healthy Starts, Hopeful Futures: Strengthening Newborn Care in Sierra Leone.”
She emphasized the need to strengthen healthcare services across the maternal and child health continuum, highlighting the importance of improving antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care services.
The Minister also stressed the need to address social challenges such as child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and harmful cultural practices, which continue to negatively affect maternal and child health outcomes.
Commending PASL for its commitment to advancing child health through professional capacity building, advocacy, research, community outreach, and public awareness initiatives, Dr. Mahoi noted that healthcare professionals play a critical role in ensuring that every newborn receives quality care from birth through early childhood.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to the Presidential 300 Days of Activism on Maternal and Child Health, she underscored the national objective of achieving zero preventable maternal and child deaths.
Dr. Mahoi further called for stronger collaboration among healthcare workers, development partners, civil society organizations, communities, and families, stressing that collective action is essential to improving newborn survival rates across the country.
“Every child deserves a healthy start, a chance to thrive, and hope for a brighter future,” she stated.
