Sierra Leone Health Sector to Shift from Disease-Focused to Person-Centered Care

The Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby disclosed that Government of Sierra Leone is now shifting its focus towards a more holistic approach in the health sector.

The minister made this statement during the technical session of the National Policy Hearing for the 2025 Budget, emphasizing on the government’s commitment to universal health coverage, stressing that the health of every Sierra Leonean is valued equally.

According to Dr. Demby, Sierra Leone’s health sector has long been driven by a disease-specific focus, where resources and personnel are allocated to areas with substantial donor funding. However, this approach, according to the minister has led to significant gaps in care, where individuals might receive treatment for one condition but remain vulnerable to others.

The minister said the government have recognized this flaw and is now shifting its focus toward a more holistic approach, ensuring that every citizen has access to a comprehensive range of health services-from HIV and malaria treatment to nutrition and beyond.

This approach, he noted, is not selective; it aims to provide quality care for all, ensuring that each individual sees themselves reflected in a healthcare system that recognizes and responds to their diverse needs.

“We need a transformative approach because health matters to each and every one of us it impacts families, communities, districts, and the nation as a whole,” Minister Demby stated. “In Sierra Leone, we are undergoing a radical transformation in healthcare, shifting from a disease-driven, donor-dependent model to a person-centered, holistic system that addresses the needs of all 8 million citizens.”

To achieve this ambitious goal, the Ministry of Health has adopted a life-stage approach that follows individuals from conception to old age. This begins with pregnant women, ensuring they receive the necessary care to maintain their health and safely deliver their babies. The focus then shifts to the critical early years, aiming not only to ensure newborn survival but also to support their development to full potential.

As children grow, the healthcare system addresses issues such as malaria, diarrheal diseases, and vaccine-preventable illnesses to ensure they are ready for school.

This holistic care continues through adolescence, adulthood, and into the senior years, with each life stage receiving targeted attention based on its unique health needs.

Minister Demby highlighted that investing in health is not merely an expenditure but an investment with tangible returns. “More than 80% of districts now have special baby care units, demonstrating our commitment to saving the lives of newborns,” he said.

The establishment of the National Public Health Agency has further strengthened the country’s ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond to health emergencies, allowing for proactive interventions to contain potential outbreaks before they escalate.

Innovative programs have also been launched that leverage technology to identify and support every pregnant woman in the country, ensuring both mother and child receive the necessary care throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Sierra Leone’s transformation in healthcare is a deliberate and strategic process that places the health and well-being of every citizen at its core. By moving from a disease-focused to a person-centered approach, embracing universal health coverage, and adopting a life- stage framework, the nation is making a significant investment in its future.

As the Ministry sets targets and monitors progress, there is confidence that these investments will yield tangible returns, leading to a healthier, more prosperous Sierra Leone for all.