By: Saidu Jalloh
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has revealed that Sierra Leone records an average of 700 births every day. He made this statement during the launch of the 2026 Budget Hearing on 11th September 2025 at the Bintumani Conference Center in Freetown.
Dr. Jalloh reported that in 2023, the country recorded an estimated 264,000 births, of which 256,437 were officially registered. He compared the daily birth rate to the size of seven classrooms and emphasized the urgent need for the government to plan effectively for the growing population of children.
“Every day, about 700 children are born in this country. A nation with such a high birth rate must plan accordingly because these children will require teachers, doctors, and caregivers,” he stated.
He also highlighted that more students are successfully passing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and entering universities, which demands additional classrooms, teachers, and employment opportunities. Dr. Jalloh urged the Ministry of Finance to prioritize domestic revenue collection, noting that with declining foreign aid, local revenue generation is critical.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby reported significant progress in the health sector. He cited a remarkable 76 percent reduction in maternal mortality over the past five years, attributing the achievement to expanded healthcare access, improved maternal care, and robust vaccination programs. Dr. Demby further noted that vaccination coverage has surpassed 95 percent, placing Sierra Leone among the top performers globally.