By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
Sierra Leone has recorded a 31% reduction in maternal deaths within just 100 days, with figures dropping from 123 deaths in 2025 to 85, according to Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby. The announcement was made on 10 June 2026 during a press briefing at Youyi Building in Freetown.
Dr. Demby described the achievement as “an incredibly proud moment for Sierra Leone,” noting that the results reflect progress made under the presidential-led 300 Days of Activism campaign. The initiative aims to reduce preventable maternal and child deaths while closing immunization gaps through strengthened health systems, community outreach, and improved accountability.
Officials attribute the decline in maternal deaths to increased facility-based deliveries, improved emergency obstetric care, and stronger community engagement, particularly in high-risk districts.
In addition to maternal health improvements, the campaign has also made significant progress in immunization coverage. Out of an estimated 9,000 zero-dose children—those who have not received any routine vaccines health teams successfully reached and vaccinated 5,000 children within the 100-day period. This represents approximately 55% coverage of previously unvaccinated children nationwide.
Dr. Demby explained that health workers traveled to remote and hard-to-reach communities to identify and vaccinate children who had been missed by routine health services. The effort involved mobile clinics, community health workers, and collaboration with local leaders to improve trust and access.
While emphasizing that these results are early gains, the Minister noted that they demonstrate the impact of targeted interventions, strong data tracking, and rapid response systems. He called for continued support from partners, health workers, and communities to sustain and build on the progress during the remaining 200 days of the campaign.