The Ministry of Health has taken a bold step to address gender disparities in healthcare by allocating NLe50 million from its 2025 budget to initiatives targeting maternal and child health, adolescent care, and the inclusion of women in leadership roles. These efforts form part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce mortality rates and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all.

A centrepiece of this initiative is the ambitious plan to cut the maternal mortality rate from 443 per 100,000 live births to 221 per 100,000 by 2030. To achieve this, the ministry has earmarked NLe20 million for programs such as enacting the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Bill, improving access to essential drugs and medical supplies, and fostering community engagement on sexual and reproductive health (SRH).

Efforts to tackle under-five mortality are equally robust, with a NLe15 million allocation aimed at reducing the rate from 112 per 1,000 live births to 5 per 1,000 by 2030. These funds will drive SRH awareness campaigns, promote antenatal and postnatal care, and support national immunization and nutrition programs.

Addressing adolescent health challenges, the ministry has committed NLe10 million to reduce adolescent mortality from 102 per 1,000 to 6 per 1,000 in all districts by 2030. Key to this effort is the establishment of six adolescent-friendly centers offering comprehensive healthcare and support tailored to young people.

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The ministry is also championing women’s leadership within the health sector. With a NLe2 million allocation, mentorship programs and gender mainstreaming training aim to boost the representation of women in leadership roles from 41% to 81% by 2030.

Rounding out the gender-focused initiatives, NLe3 million has been dedicated to finalizing and launching the Health Sector Gender Policy and Strategy. This policy will institutionalize gender equity across all aspects of healthcare governance and service delivery.

These initiatives are part of the Ministry of Health’s total NLe131.7 million budget for 2025, underscoring a strong commitment to reducing health inequities and addressing gender-based challenges. By targeting maternal and child health, empowering adolescents, and promoting women’s leadership, Sierra Leone is taking decisive steps to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system one that aligns with the nation’s broader development goals and meets the needs of its most vulnerable populations.