By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
Dr. Austin Demby, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, has revealed that the nation records approximately 450,000 pregnancies each year. This statistic highlights ongoing government efforts aimed at improving maternal health, reducing adolescent pregnancies, and enhancing overall healthcare services.
In 2025, significant efforts were made to address maternal health issues, particularly through strategies aimed at decreasing adolescent pregnancies and elevating the quality of care. Notably, the government launched a groundbreaking initiative in February focused on combatting child marriage and teenage pregnancy. This strategy is part of a comprehensive approach to foster a healthier and more sustainable future for young women in Sierra Leone.
A critical component of this initiative is the enhanced training for midwives and the integration of modern technology into healthcare practices. The CRADLE vital signs monitor, designed to track vital signs in pregnant women, has been deployed nationwide as part of efforts to reduce maternal mortality and improve pregnancy management.
This advancement in technology has been positively received, as evidenced by studies and earlier launches conducted in 2025. Dr. Demby also pointed to the introduction of the National Strategy on Adolescent Pregnancy and Child Marriage (2025-2030), which aims to tackle the alarming rates of early childbearing.
The strategy recognizes the profound impact early pregnancies have on youth development and is committed to empowering young individuals, particularly in rural regions, by working to lower the rates of child marriages and teenage pregnancies.
The Sierra Leone Midwives Association (SLMA), along with international partners like UNFPA Sierra Leone, has been instrumental in these efforts, particularly in training health workers and incorporating digital tools to enhance care for both pregnant women and newborns.
Aligned with global health initiatives, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health have been conducting campaigns aimed at reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths. Dr. Demby acknowledged that while improvements in the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) have been observed, preventable deaths remain a critical concern, with conditions such as hemorrhage, hypertension, and obstructed labor still posing significant risks.
A study published in The Lancet in October 2025 further underscores the progress made, demonstrating the positive impact of the low-cost CRADLE device in enhancing care quality for pregnant women across the country.
Despite these advancements, adolescent pregnancy remains a pressing issue, particularly in rural areas where early childbearing continues to be widespread. The government, in collaboration with its partners, is dedicated to addressing this challenge through education, policy reforms, and sustained investments in healthcare systems.
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