By Lansana Koroma
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Kenema District is set to bolster its healthcare capabilities with the arrival of international midwifery experts from the United States and Asia. These experts are in Sierra Leone to train local midwives, a move expected to significantly improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
On Friday, August 2, 2024, an orientation ceremony was held in Kenema to welcome the international educators. Their visit coincides with the establishment of a new midwifery school in the district, a crucial step in addressing the country’s high maternal and infant mortality rates.
Despite a notable 60% reduction in maternal deaths in recent years, Sierra Leone still has a high rate of 443 deaths per 100,000 live births. The Ministry of Health attributes this to a shortage of qualified midwives.
Mary Mamakoh Fullah, Chief Nursing Officer, highlighted the urgency of the situation. She noted that while Sierra Leone currently has about 1,925 midwives, the country needs over 3,000 to provide effective care and further reduce maternal deaths. Fullah expressed strong support for the initiative and emphasized the importance of operating the new midwifery school without interference, allowing trainees to fully benefit from the program.
Dr. Dana Whittaker from Seed Global Health, a midwifery educator with over 30 years of experience, expressed enthusiasm about contributing to Sierra Leone’s healthcare system. Dr. Whittaker will be involved in teaching and mentoring at the new school, focusing on baby management and resuscitation. She plans to spend a year in the country, balancing her time between teaching and providing ongoing mentorship.
Mustapha Sonnie, Country Director of Seed Global Health, outlined the organization’s mission to strengthen health workforces worldwide. Seed Global Health’s involvement in Sierra Leone began in 2019, in response to the Ministry of Health’s call for improved midwifery education. Sonnie highlighted the organization’s goal to enhance midwifery practice and training through collaborative efforts, which have already shown positive results in regions such as Freetown, Bo, and Makeni.
Dr. Sartie Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the Ministry of Health’s policy to establish training institutions across all regions. He stressed the importance of maintaining high training standards to ensure that future midwives are well-equipped to meet the country’s healthcare needs.
With this initiative, Kenema District is poised to make significant strides in maternal health, strengthening its midwifery workforce and contributing to the reduction of maternal and infant mortality rates in Sierra Leone.
