By: Mohamed Sahr
Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has announced that Sierra Leone has achieved a 70% reduction in maternal deaths under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio. He made this statement during the Healthcare Reflection and Media Monitoring Night on Wednesday 3rd December 2025 at Bintumani Hotel.
Making his remark, Dr. Demby described the transformation of the health sector as remarkable, evolving from a system once associated with despair into one increasingly defined by healing, hope, and progress.
Dr. Demby highlighted that maternal mortality has dropped from 1,165 to 335 deaths per 100,000 live births, a milestone that reflects massive investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, medical equipment, and human resources. He noted that childbirth in Sierra Leone, once considered one of the most dangerous experiences for women, has now become significantly safer.
Thousands of mothers and children are alive today because of stronger health facilities, expanded ambulance services, reliable solar power installations, improved oxygen supply, and essential medicines.
The Minister reported that skilled birth attendance has risen from 60% to 87%, supported by the recruitment of over 4,000 health workers in the last three years, with an additional 3,000 expected to join soon.
Infrastructure development has also accelerated over 1,600 Primary Healthcare Units constructed or rehabilitated, 12 oxygen plants established, and more than 300 solar systems installed to ensure uninterrupted power supply across health facilities.
Dr. Demby underscored President Bio’s success with the commissioning of the Julius Maada Bio Pediatric Hospital in Lumley, a $18 million ultra-modern facility providing world-class services for children. He also noted the inauguration of the Maternal and Child Health Centre of Excellence in Kono, which strengthens specialized care for women and children.
The government is also investing heavily in digital health innovations to modernize service delivery and improve patient outcomes nationwide. Dr. Demby revealed that in four days’ time, the Ministry of Health will declare the end of Mpox in Sierra Leone.
A representative from the World Bank praised the Ministry’s achievements and acknowledged the vital role of the media in advancing health sector reforms. She emphasized that consistent reporting has increased public awareness, promoted positive behavior change, and kept health issues at the center of national dialogue.
She added that the media has supported maternal and child health campaigns, amplified conversations on non-communicable diseases, highlighted challenges within health facilities, and held stakeholders accountable.
Dr. Demby concluded that Sierra Leone’s health sector is entering a new era of modernization and renewed public confidence, driven by President Bio’s commitment to rebuilding the nation’s healthcare system.