UNFPA Highlights Major Progress in Sierra Leone’s Fight Against Maternal Deaths
Aaron Parker Sierra Leone is intensifying efforts to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths through strengthened implementation of the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) programme.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sierra Leone is supporting a two-day national review focused on assessing performance, identifying implementation bottlenecks, sharing lessons learned and developing strategies to accelerate progress towards ending preventable maternal deaths.
According to UNFPA, Sierra Leone has recorded significant progress in reducing maternal mortality, with the maternal mortality ratio falling by 79%, from more than 1,600 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 354 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023.
The country has also made progress in strengthening midwifery services. Since 2010, UNFPA has supported the expansion of midwifery through policy development, training and institutional strengthening, contributing to an increase in the number of midwives from 95 in 2009 to 3,382 in 2026.
Skilled birth attendance has similarly increased, rising from 43% in 2013 to more than 90% in 2025, reflecting improvements in access to skilled maternal healthcare services.
The progress comes as Sierra Leone enters the final 90 days of the 300 Days of Activism campaign. UNFPA reports that maternal deaths have declined by 31.3% during the campaign period so far, from 256 deaths recorded in 2025 to 176 in 2026.
The latest national review is expected to help stakeholders identify remaining gaps and strengthen strategies for sustaining the gains made in maternal and newborn healthcare.
UNFPA said the next phase will focus on translating the progress into sustained and equitable impact for every woman, newborn, child and adolescent across Sierra Leone.