Health Minister Seeks Global Support to Sustain Sierra Leone’s Health Progress
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby, has called for sustained global support and investment to help the country consolidate recent gains in maternal and child healthcare.
Demby made the call during a high-level diplomatic gathering titled “Sustaining Sierra Leone’s Triple Zero Gains” on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81), where he presented progress from the government’s 300 Days of Activism campaign.
The presidential initiative, led by President Julius Maada Bio, targets the elimination of preventable maternal and child deaths and aims to reach and vaccinate every “zero-dose” child across Sierra Leone.
More than 200 days into the campaign, Demby highlighted a 31 percent reduction in maternal mortality, an 11 percent decline in infant mortality, and the achievement of 105 percent of the immunisation target for tracing and vaccinating previously unreached zero-dose children.
He attributed the progress to interventions including upgrades to emergency obstetric facilities, improvements to regional ambulance networks, and the use of real-time digital health tracking systems.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Mustapha Kabba outlined the operational measures supporting the campaign, while Chief Minister Dr David Sengeh, speaking on behalf of President Bio, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining the reforms.
Demby also stressed the importance of financial accountability, community engagement, and patient-centred care, noting that sustained investment and institutional changes are needed to maintain the country’s health gains.