By Marian Magdalene Bangura,
Strategic Communication Unit – MOICE
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has urged Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to play an active role in the country’s healthcare transformation, as new data shows significant declines in maternal and child mortality.
Speaking at the Civic Day London Programme, Dr. Demby highlighted the nation’s progress, noting that Sierra Leone has moved from recording one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates to achieving measurable improvements through sustained reforms and strategic investments.
“We have made tremendous progress, but we are not satisfied. Every preventable maternal or child death is one too many, and that is why we are accelerating our efforts,” he said.
Once burdened with approximately 1,600 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, Sierra Leone has reduced maternal mortality by more than 76 percent. The Minister credited deliberate investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, and community health services for the turnaround.
Dr. Demby pointed to the 300 Days of Activism Campaign, launched by President Julius Maada Bio in March 2026, which aims to achieve zero preventable maternal and child deaths. Within the first 100 days, maternal deaths fell by 31 percent, infant mortality declined by 11 percent, and nearly 9,000 malnourished children were identified, with more than half already receiving treatment.
Four Pillars of Transformation
The Minister outlined four strategic pillars anchoring Sierra Leone’s healthcare reforms:
Primary healthcare: Expanding access through improved infrastructure, staffing, preventive programmes, and modern equipment. Over 380 facilities are now powered by renewable solar energy.
Referral systems: Strengthening emergency response with GPS-enabled ambulances linked to the national 117 service.
Secondary and tertiary care: Major investments in hospital construction, including new facilities in Pujehun, Moyamba, Karene, and Kerry Town.
Health security: Enhanced disease surveillance and rapid response capacity, drawing lessons from Ebola and COVID-19.
Dr. Demby also emphasized investments in human capital, noting a rise in medical graduates and the adoption of real-time digital data systems to monitor outcomes and investigate maternal deaths.
“Our health system is becoming more connected, more responsive, and more accountable through digital innovation,” he said.
Call to the Diaspora
Concluding his address, Dr. Demby appealed to Sierra Leoneans abroad to view national development as a collective responsibility.
“The future of Sierra Leone cannot be built by the government alone. Our brothers and sisters in the diaspora possess valuable knowledge, skills, experience, and networks that can help accelerate national development,” he said.
The Civic Day London Programme provided a platform for dialogue between government officials and diaspora communities, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in national progress.