Sierra Leone's Health Minister, Dr. Austin Demby, has highlighted progress and persistent challenges in Bo District's efforts to reduce maternal deaths. He made the remarks during the ongoing 300 Days of Activism for Triple Zero campaign in Bo, where he engaged health workers and community members on measures to prevent avoidable maternal deaths. The engagement followed similar discussions in the Western Area Urban and Rural, as the Ministry of Health continues to assess progress and address challenges contributing to maternal mortality across the country.
According to figures shared during the engagement, Bo recorded 10 maternal deaths in May 2026, its highest monthly figure of the year. However, the district subsequently recorded three deaths each in June and July, before the number declined to one per month in August, September, and October. This represents a significant decline, with Bo recording five maternal deaths between early July and early October, compared with 16 during the corresponding period in 2025.
The decline in maternal deaths in Bo is part of a national trend, with Sierra Leone recording a 31.3 per cent reduction in maternal deaths compared with the same period last year. However, despite the recent improvement, Dr. Demby noted that Bo still faces significant challenges. The district has recorded 40 maternal deaths so far this year, compared with 36 during the same period in 2025, representing an 11.1 per cent increase.
Bo's contribution to the country's overall maternal deaths has also risen from 9.8 per cent to 14.9 per cent, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to address the situation. Dr. Demby identified postpartum haemorrhage, uterine rupture, infections, and delays in accessing medical attention as some of the major causes of maternal deaths. He emphasized the need for healthcare facilities to rebuild public confidence by ensuring timely and respectful treatment.
Dr. Demby also highlighted the importance of addressing unofficial payments that discourage women and their families from seeking medical attention. He stressed that healthcare facilities must remain operational and adequately prepared around the clock, respond promptly to danger signs, review every maternal death, and ensure that women receive dignified care. The Ministry of Health is calling for sustained efforts to prevent further losses and achieve the campaign's ultimate goal of zero preventable maternal deaths.
With less than two months remaining in the 300 Days of Activism for Triple Zero campaign, Dr. Demby emphasized the need for sustained progress in Bo and strengthened interventions to prevent further losses. He joined nurses, doctors, and community members for a group selfie, demonstrating solidarity with frontline health workers and others working to protect the lives of mothers and babies.
The Health Minister's engagement in Bo is part of the Ministry of Health's efforts to assess progress and address challenges contributing to maternal mortality across the country. Dr. Demby, along with the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mustapha Kabba, continues to engage health workers and community members on measures to prevent avoidable maternal deaths. The Ministry is working to achieve the campaign's ultimate goal of zero preventable maternal deaths.
Key points
- Bo District has recorded a 68.8 per cent reduction in maternal deaths between early July and early October 2026, compared with the same period in 2025.
- Sierra Leone has recorded a 31.3 per cent reduction in maternal deaths nationally, compared with the same period last year.
- Bo District still faces significant challenges, with 40 maternal deaths recorded so far this year, representing an 11.1 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025.
