By Hajaratu S. Bangura
One of the country’s leading health expert, Isata Dumbuya, the Director of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) at Partners in Health Sierra Leone, has highlighted the important role of midwives in reducing maternal deaths in Sierra Leone, calling for increased investment and public trust in maternal healthcare services.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press conference on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, she emphasized that maternal health remains one of the most important indicators of a country’s overall development.
“They will not ask how many people die from asthma or heart disease. They will ask how many women die when giving birth,” she said, emphasizing that maternal mortality reflects the strength of a nation’s healthcare system.
She acknowledged that while Sierra Leone has historically recorded high maternal mortality rates, it has also made notable progress over the years.
“We have moved from about one in 17 women dying during childbirth to around one in 74. This shows improvement, but there is still more work to be done,” she noted.
She explained that midwives are central to ensuring safe pregnancies and deliveries, as well as providing essential care for newborns. According to her, investing in midwifery is crucial for building a healthier population and sustaining national development.
Highlighting ongoing reforms, Dumbuya pointed to new training pathways that allow students to directly pursue a degree in midwifery, a move expected to increase the number of skilled professionals in the country.
She also urged women to seek timely medical care during pregnancy, warning against delays caused by self-medication or reliance on traditional remedies. “When something happens, many people try different options before going to the hospital. By the time they arrive, it is often too late,” she cautioned.
She further highlighted the Maternal Centre of Excellence in Kono as a model facility offering high-quality maternal and neonatal services, alongside training opportunities for healthcare workers.
She concluded by stressing that improving maternal health is not only a medical priority but a national one, as healthy mothers and children are essential to the country’s future growth.
