Post a comment
On the occasion of the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, Chief Minister David Sengeh reiterated the Sierra Leonean government’s commitment to eradicating the condition nationwide.
“I joined the Ministry of Health, development partners, advocates, and survivors to reiterate our commitment to end a disease that has no place in our society,” Chief Minister Sengeh stated.
He emphasized the urgent need to support “the young, the poor, the remote and rural, and those who suffer in silence from this preventable and treatable condition.”
Sengeh highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the government, which he described as focused on human capital development and gender inclusion. These include the banning of child marriage, the strengthening of sexual offenses laws to protect children, and the deployment of over 100 ambulances across the country to facilitate access to maternal care.
He also pointed to the establishment of specialized theaters in Freetown and Bo with trained personnel dedicated to treating obstetric fistula survivors. Furthermore, Sengeh noted that all 16 district hospitals have been solarized, and the country now produces oxygen and hand sanitizers locally, a practice that began in 2021 after previously relying on imports.
He also mentioned expanded midwifery training and other skills development programs, along with a reported all-time high in child survival and vaccination rates.
The Chief Minister asserted that these efforts have led to a 60% reduction in maternal mortality in less than 10 years, improved life expectancy, and an improved doctor-to-citizen ratio. He concluded by affirming the government’s overarching goal: “Our commitment is to ensure that we have zero maternal deaths. Zero Obstetric Fistula cases and better health care for all.”
