Health Minister Calls on Diaspora to Join Health Transformation as Maternal Deaths Decline

Health Minister Calls on Diaspora to Join Health Transformation as Maternal Deaths Decline

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has called on Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to actively support the country’s ongoing health sector reforms, as official figures show a continued decline in maternal and child mortality rates.

Speaking at the Civic Day London Programme, Dr. Demby said Sierra Leone has recorded “tremendous progress” in maternal and child health, moving from one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally to significant reductions driven by sustained reforms and health system investments.

“We have made tremendous progress, but we are not satisfied,” he said. “Every preventable maternal or child death is one too many, and that is why we are accelerating our efforts.”

Health Ministry data shows that Sierra Leone previously recorded about 1,600 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births among the highest in the world. Authorities say reforms in healthcare delivery, increased training of health workers, improved emergency obstetric care, and expanded community health services have contributed to a more than 76 percent reduction in maternal deaths. 

The development aligns with global health priorities under the World Health Organization (WHO), which continues to identify maternal mortality reduction as a key indicator of health system performance, particularly in low-resource settings.

Demby also highlighted the government’s “300 Days of Activism Campaign,” launched by President Julius Maada Bio on March 1, 2026, aimed at eliminating preventable maternal and child deaths nationwide. According to him, the first 100 days of implementation have shown early gains, including a 31 percent reduction in maternal deaths, an 11 percent drop in infant mortality, and the identification of nearly 9,000 malnourished children, with about 5,000 already receiving treatment.

Public health analysts say sustained progress of this nature could help Sierra Leone advance more quickly toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Beyond the national statistics, health workers continue to point to improved access to maternal care, expanded outreach services, and stronger referral systems as key factors saving lives, particularly in rural communities.

Dr. Demby used the occasion to urge diaspora professionals especially doctors, nurses, and public health experts to contribute through skills transfer, partnerships, and investment in the health sector. Analysts note that diaspora engagement is increasingly becoming a strategic pillar in Sierra Leone’s development agenda, particularly in addressing human resource gaps in critical sectors such as health.

While acknowledging progress, experts caution that sustaining these gains will require continued investment, accountability, and equitable access to healthcare services across all regions of the country. 

For many Sierra Leoneans, the message is clear: the progress achieved so far is significant—but the goal remains the elimination of preventable deaths for mothers and children, regardless of where they live.