By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
FREETOWN Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, has issued a call for urgent action to reduce preventable newborn deaths, warning that neonatal mortality continues to weigh heavily on child survival rates.
Speaking Monday at the 2nd Annual Conference of the Paediatric Association of Sierra Leone, PASL, under the theme “Healthy Starts, Hopeful Futures: Strengthening Newborn Care,” Dr. Mahoi said delays in intervention cost lives.
“We must strengthen the full maternal and child health continuum — quality antenatal care, skilled delivery, and effective postnatal services,” she told clinicians, partners, and civil society actors.
The Minister identified child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and harmful cultural practices as key social factors undermining progress in maternal and child health.
She commended PASL for advancing child health through training, advocacy, research, and community outreach, stressing that healthcare professionals are critical to ensuring every newborn receives care from birth through early childhood.
Reaffirming government’s commitment to the Presidential 300 Days of Activism on Maternal and Child Health, Dr. Mahoi set the national target at zero preventable maternal and child deaths. She urged closer collaboration among health workers, development partners, communities, and families.
“Every child deserves a healthy start, a chance to thrive, and hope for a brighter future,” she said.
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