Sierra Leone Commemorates World Health Day 2025: A Focus on Maternal and Newborn Health
On April 7, 2025, Sierra Leone, in collaboration with WHO, marked World Health Day with the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” The event launched a year-long campaign to combat preventable maternal and child mortality, highlighting significant national health improvements and the importance of ongoing efforts to achieve better health outcomes for women and newborns.
On April 7, 2025, Sierra Leone commemorated World Health Day in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO). The event focused on the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” emphasizing the importance of strengthening systems and partnerships to ensure the survival and thriving of women and newborns. This initiative is part of a broader goal to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths in the country.
The gathering included health authorities, development partners, and members of the media, aiming to propel the country’s efforts in health advancements. A year-long Maternal and Newborn Health Campaign was launched, under the sub-theme: “Tackling the Public Health Emergency of Preventable Maternal and Child Mortality.”
WHO Country Representative, Dr. George Ameh, commended Sierra Leone for significant improvements in maternal and newborn health, noting a 78% reduction in maternal mortality since 2000. He stressed the importance of continued investment in maternal and newborn health to achieve broader societal benefits.
Dr. Austin Demby presented the latest statistics from the UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group, revealing a drop in maternal mortality rates from 443 to 354 per 100,000 live births since 2020. He expressed confidence that Sierra Leone could reach its target of fewer than 300 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2025.
Acknowledging the campaign’s resonance with the Person-Centered Life Stages Approach, Dr. Demby highlighted the importance of early health for mothers and children, reinforcing the government’s commitment to eliminating preventable deaths. He outlined the structured response and accountability measures in place to prevent maternal and child mortality.
The campaign will involve a series of initiatives, including community outreach and health worker training, to enhance service delivery. Additionally, WHO is collaborating with the Sierra Leone Blood Bank to ensure the availability of blood supplies for emergency situations affecting mothers and children.
Sierra Leone’s celebration of World Health Day 2025 signifies a strong commitment to improving maternal and newborn health. Through the launch of targeted campaigns and measurable goals, the country aims to achieve substantial reductions in mortality rates. Continuous investment and partnerships are crucial to sustaining these gains and ensuring that all women and newborns receive the necessary care for healthy beginnings and hopeful futures.
Original Source: www.afro.who.int
