The Ministry of Health (MoH) has vowed to improve service delivery at Kambia Government Hospital in response to recent allegations following the tragic death of a 30-year-old woman.

The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, as reports suggest that the deceased, Kadiatu Pompey Kamara, underwent a critical surgical procedure under the care of an untrained Community Health Officer (CHO), leading to her death.

According to the Ministry, Kadiatu was administered a surgical procedure by a CHO without the supervision of a qualified medical doctor. The report claims that complications during the procedure, which were beyond the CHO’s expertise, led to the woman’s untimely death.

These allegations have raised concerns about the level of training provided to healthcare workers at Kambia Government Hospital, which currently operates without a trained surgeon on staff.

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Dr. Austin Demby, the Minister of Health, expressed his deep condolences to Kadiatu’s family, emphasizing the devastating impact of losing a life in such circumstances.

He assured the public that a thorough investigation into the incident is underway, and pledged that such preventable maternal deaths would not be tolerated. “Every time a life is lost, it is devastating. Deepest condolences to the bereaved family. May she rest in peace,” Dr. Demby stated.

The tragic incident is not an isolated case but rather a reflection of broader challenges facing Sierra Leone’s healthcare system. However, the Ministry highlighted that Kambia, a district in the northern part of Sierra Leone, has seen improvements in maternal health. The district reduced maternal deaths by 28% between 2024 and 2025, and ranks among the lowest in maternal mortality in the country.

The issue of CHOs performing surgeries, especially cesarean sections, has been a point of debate. While it is globally recognized as a stop-gap measure in areas with a shortage of trained surgeons, the Ministry acknowledges the need for strict supervision to ensure safety.

In Kambia, the lack of qualified medical doctors, including surgeons, remains a critical issue. However, the Ministry notes that the district has made strides in training local healthcare professionals, including medical doctors and obstetricians, with over 120 medical residents currently undergoing training across various specialties, including surgery.

In addition to addressing the immediate issue of untrained personnel, the Ministry is working towards broader reforms to strengthen the healthcare system. Dr. Serah Conteh, the District Medical Officer for Kambia, highlighted the district’s success in significantly reducing maternal mortality over the past few years.

While acknowledging that more work is needed, she pointed out that Kambia has made remarkable progress, citing the graduation of locally trained obstetricians who have passed their exams to become certified surgeons.

The country’s healthcare system still faces significant challenges, including a shortage of medical professionals. With only 15 resident surgeons nationwide to meet a growing surgical demand, the Ministry is committed to improving access to skilled medical care through the National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plan (NSOAP). This initiative aims to expand surgical access, particularly in underserved districts like Kambia.

Despite the setbacks highlighted by the Kambia case, the Ministry stresses that the country is on a path toward improving healthcare. Five years ago, Sierra Leone had one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with one in every 100 women at risk of dying during childbirth.

Today, the maternal mortality rate has been reduced by more than 70%, with 354 deaths per 100,000 live births compared to 1,165 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2008.

The Ministry of Health recognizes that while infrastructure improvements and better-trained personnel are essential, the system still requires significant investment to address gaps in resources and personnel.

Dr. Demby emphasized the importance of community involvement in healthcare delivery and expressed optimism about future improvements in the sector.

The Ministry has vowed to continue its efforts to restore confidence in the country’s healthcare system, with a renewed focus on improving the quality and accessibility of health services for all Sierra Leoneans.