Sierra Leone has been chosen as one of six nations to lead global efforts to reduce maternal mortality and develop a strong midwifery strategy to enhance maternal healthcare. This announcement was made at a stakeholder consultation on midwifery priorities, held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown on November 12, 2024.
During the event, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Fasula Mansaray highlighted a comprehensive strategy for midwifery that emphasizes leadership, advocacy, policy development, and workforce expansion, with a focus on utilizing technology for better service delivery.
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Charles Senesie, in his keynote, underscored midwifery’s critical role in Sierra Leone’s healthcare system and applauded midwives for their role in achieving a 74% reduction in maternal mortality. He emphasized the need to expand midwifery education and access to skilled care, aiming for healthcare facilities within a 3-5 km radius for better reach.
UNFPA Country Representative Nadia Rasheed acknowledged the crucial role of midwives in maternal and newborn health globally. She praised Sierra Leone’s progress, noting that the number of midwives has grown significantly, and highlighted the Global Midwifery Acceleration Roadmap as a key initiative to address challenges in midwifery.
Matron Amba Rashida M. Coker, Deputy Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, described midwifery as foundational to national health, while Dr. Tom Sesay, Director of Reproductive and Child Health, called for increased midwife recruitment to ensure safe deliveries nationwide.
The consultation emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to building a stronger midwifery workforce, increasing healthcare access, and further advancing maternal and newborn health outcomes in the country.
