Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby highlighted Sierra Leone’s public health achievements, citing the country’s response to the Mpox outbreak as a model of African resilience and international collaboration. He also showcased significant progress in maternal and child health including decrease in maternal mortality from 1,165 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2013 to 354 in 2023 and reduction in child mortality by 50% since 2001.
He joined fellow health leaders at the 75th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC75), which was officially opened by President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia.
In his address, the Minister extended warm greetings and appreciation to the Government of Zambia and the World Health Organization (WHO) for hosting the high-level event. He noted that the meeting comes at a critical time for Africa, as countries intensify efforts to achieve universal health coverage, strengthen resilience against health emergencies, and invest in building healthier, more prosperous societies.
These improvements, he said, are driven by innovative tools such as the Maternal Health Emergency Situation Room and the PreSTrack platform, which enable real-time monitoring of pregnancies and support rapid interventions.
The Minister also outlined efforts to strengthen care for non-communicable diseases through the PEN-Plus strategy, the establishment of a National Cancer Registry, and the implementation of a Mental Health Strategic Plan. He highlighted Sierra Leone’s growing focus on combating substance use disorders, including efforts to tackle the abuse of “Kush”, through rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
Looking to the future, he reaffirmed the country’s commitment to tackling persistent challenges such as malaria, antimicrobial resistance, and the need for sustainable health financing.
He pointed to the Sierra Leone Accelerating Universal Health Coverage (SLAUHC) Bill as a bold reform aimed at integrating health financing mechanisms and strengthening strategic purchasing, laying the groundwork for universal health coverage. “These achievements are more than just numbers – they represent lives saved and futures restored,” the Minister said, reiterating Sierra Leone’s commitment to building a stronger, fairer, and more resilient health system for all.