By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
The Ministry of Health in Sierra Leone has commissioned over $2.5 million worth of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) equipment and life-saving medicines. The equipment and medicines were procured through the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) and the Integrated Health Projects Administration Unit (IHPAU), with funding from a large anonymous donor.
The commissioned equipment includes surgical and delivery sets, diagnostic and monitoring devices, sterilization and infection control tools, essential obstetric instruments, and advanced medical technologies. These will be used to strengthen emergency obstetric care, particularly in facilities with limited cold-chain infrastructure.
The Ministry of Health is implementing a revised “Hubs-and-Spokes” model aimed at delivering high-quality Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Nutrition services. The model will initially connect 25 Peripheral Health Units (PHUs) with five secondary and tertiary hospitals across five districts.
Minister of Health Austin Demby noted that the commissioning of the equipment marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality. He stated that the Ministry is committed to providing holistic, patient-centered care and called on all stakeholders to support efforts to strengthen reproductive, maternal, child, and adolescent health nationwide.
Dr. Mustapha Kabba expressed gratitude to the donor and NMSA for their support. He emphasized that the equipment and medicines will help reduce maternal mortality and improve the overall quality of healthcare services.
The commissioning of the SRH equipment and medicines is a significant step toward achieving the Ministry’s goal of reducing maternal mortality to fewer than 300 deaths per 100,000 live births by the end of 2025, and to meet the SDG target of fewer than 70 by 2030.
