By: Saidu Jalloh
The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has announced a historic 76% reduction in maternal mortality in Sierra Leone, calling it the fastest recorded decline in the world.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing, Dr. Demby described the achievement as a milestone in Sierra Leone’s healthcare transformation, made possible by strategic government reforms and sustained investment in the health sector.
“In the past five years, we have moved from one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally to achieving a historic 76% reduction. This is not just progress for Sierra Leone but a powerful example of what can be achieved with the right policies and unwavering commitment,” said Dr. Demby.
The Minister also revealed that vaccination coverage in Sierra Leone has now surpassed 95%, positioning the country among the top-performing nations globally in terms of immunization rates.
On infectious disease control, he reported a dramatic decline in Mpox (Monkeypox) cases from over 200 daily infections to single-digit numbers, thanks to effective surveillance and rapid response strategies implemented nationwide.
To support the growing demands of the healthcare system, Dr. Demby officially launched a new online recruitment portal aimed at hiring 3,000 additional health workers. He described the initiative as a “transparent, fair, and accountable process” aligned with the government’s broader service delivery agenda.
Interested citizens are encouraged to apply through the official portal: www.recruitment.mohs.gov.sl or http://www.recruitment.mohs.gov.sl. Dr. Demby emphasized that the application process is completely free of charge.
The Health Minister reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to quality, accessible, and equitable healthcare for all Sierra Leoneans. He noted that the progress made so far is a foundation upon which the country will continue to build, ensuring that no one is left behind.