Sierra Leone is intensifying efforts to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths through strengthened implementation of the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) programme. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sierra Leone is supporting a two-day national review focused on assessing performance, identifying implementation bottlenecks, sharing lessons learned and developing strategies to accelerate progress towards ending preventable maternal deaths.
According to UNFPA, Sierra Leone has recorded significant progress in reducing maternal mortality, with the maternal mortality ratio falling by 79%, from more than 1,600 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 354 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023. This progress is a result of concerted efforts by the government, UNFPA, and other stakeholders to improve maternal healthcare services.
The country has also made progress in strengthening midwifery services. Since 2010, UNFPA has supported the expansion of midwifery through policy development, training and institutional strengthening, contributing to an increase in the number of midwives from 95 in 2009 to 3,382 in 2026. This increase in midwives has helped to improve access to skilled maternal healthcare services.
Skilled birth attendance has similarly increased, rising from 43% in 2013 to more than 90% in 2025, reflecting improvements in access to skilled maternal healthcare services. This progress is a significant milestone in the country's efforts to reduce maternal and newborn deaths.
The progress comes as Sierra Leone enters the final 90 days of the 300 Days of Activism campaign. UNFPA reports that maternal deaths have declined by 31.3% during the campaign period so far, from 256 deaths recorded in 2025 to 176 in 2026. This decline is a testament to the effectiveness of the campaign in raising awareness and mobilizing action.
The latest national review is expected to help stakeholders identify remaining gaps and strengthen strategies for sustaining the gains made in maternal and newborn healthcare. The review will also inform the next phase of the MPDSR programme, which will focus on translating progress into sustained and equitable impact for every woman, newborn, child and adolescent across Sierra Leone.
UNFPA said the next phase will focus on consolidating gains and addressing remaining challenges in maternal and newborn healthcare. The organization will continue to support the government in its efforts to improve healthcare services and reduce maternal and newborn deaths.
Key points
- Sierra Leone has recorded a 79% decline in the maternal mortality ratio since 2000.
- The number of midwives in Sierra Leone has increased from 95 in 2009 to 3,382 in 2026.
- Maternal deaths have declined by 31.3% during the 300 Days of Activism campaign period so far.
