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The Ministry of Health on Friday, 12 June 2026, conducted a high-level investigation at Bo Regional Government Hospital over the increasing number of maternal deaths and referral challenges, as part of the Government’s 300 Days of Action Campaign to end preventable maternal and child deaths.
Led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sartie M. Kenneh, the delegation engaged hospital management and district health officials to identify the causes of the worrying trend and improve healthcare delivery.
During the meeting, officials disclosed that 32 maternal deaths were recorded within the first 13 weeks of the campaign, with 23 of those deaths occurring at the hospital and classified as preventable. They also revealed that incomplete clinical documentation had affected proper analysis of the cases.
Health experts identified postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, anaemia, and other obstetric complications as the leading causes of death.
The Ministry raised concerns over leadership, accountability, and coordination, despite investments in infrastructure, equipment, and human resources. Officials stressed the need for stronger referral systems, improved antenatal care, proper documentation, and regular clinical supervision.
Bo Regional Hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr. Yusuf Sheku Tejan, highlighted challenges including overcrowding, shortage of specialist staff, inadequate blood supply, lack of essential medicines, and increasing referrals from neighboring districts.
The Ministry’s team later toured the Maternity Ward and Special Care Baby Unit to assess conditions firsthand and reaffirmed its commitment to reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths across Sierra Leone.
