By: Elizabeth A. Kaine
Sierra Leone has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance maternal health, as newly released data from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals a notable decrease in the maternal mortality rate. The figures indicate a drop from 443 to 354 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, marking a positive advancement for the nation.
While this news is promising, it exists within a larger context that highlights persistent challenges across the African continent. Since the year 2000, Africa has experienced a 40% decline in maternal deaths, falling from 727 to 442 deaths per 100,000 live births. Despite this progress, the region still accounts for a staggering 70% of all maternal deaths worldwide. Each year, an estimated 178,000 mothers and 1 million newborns die from preventable causes, underscoring the urgent need for continued action.
The pressing global statistics are concerning; the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Interagency Group has warned that the current annual reduction rate of 2.2% in Africa is insufficient to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. If the current trajectory continues, the region is projected to have nearly 350 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by the target year—five times higher than the acceptable level.
This year’s World Health Day, themed “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” serves as a vital call to action for governments, donors, and communities to intensify efforts in eliminating preventable maternal and newborn deaths while prioritizing the overall well-being of women and children.
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, stressed the critical need for ongoing investment in maternal health. He emphasized, “In too many places, pregnancy and childbirth are still life-threatening events. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Every dollar invested in maternal and newborn health delivers major returns: healthier families, stronger societies, and sustainable economic growth.”
However, the progress made in Sierra Leone and across the region faces significant hurdles, including inadequate financing and the threat of funding cuts to maternal health programs. Coupled with issues such as weak governance, health workforce shortages, and recurring crises like disease outbreaks and conflicts, these factors pose a risk to essential maternal and child health services, especially in fragile and crisis-affected areas.
The leading causes of maternal deaths in Africa—such as hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, infections, unsafe abortions, and obstructed labor—are largely preventable or treatable with timely, quality care. Additionally, major contributors to newborn deaths include preterm births and complications during childbirth.
In light of these challenges, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Dr. Austin Demby, remains committed to further reducing maternal deaths. The government is focused on securing additional resources from both domestic and international partners and collaborating closely with the private sector to improve healthcare services. Dr. Demby and his team are determined to ensure that no woman dies during pregnancy, childbirth, or after delivery from preventable causes.
The WHO continues to actively support countries in the region, including Sierra Leone, in implementing crucial interventions. These include the development of maternal and newborn health acceleration plans and guidelines for antenatal and postnatal care. The focus is also on increasing access to skilled health personnel during births, expanding specialized care for newborns, and addressing the socio-economic factors driving health inequities.
Encouragingly, over 60% of countries in the African region now report that more than 80% of births are attended by skilled health personnel, a significant improvement from just 28% in 2010. Nevertheless, disparities endure, particularly in rural and crisis-affected areas.
World Health Day 2025 will mark the beginning of a year-long campaign aimed at galvanizing investment and momentum in maternal and newborn health. Through effective collaborations, increased accountability, and decisive leadership, the WHO and its partners strive towards a future where no woman dies while giving life, and every child has the opportunity to thrive.
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