Govt Intensifies 300 Days Campaign
By Mariama Benovia Davies
The Government of Sierra Leone has reported remarkable progress in reducing maternal and child mortality rates as part of its ambitious 300 days of activism aimed at achieving zero preventable maternal and child deaths across the country.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing, on Tuesday 9th June 2026, the Minister of Health highlighted the country’s achievements in healthcare delivery and outlined ongoing efforts to strengthen health infrastructure and improve health outcomes nationwide.
He revealed that Sierra Leone has made substantial progress in expanding access to reliable energy within the health sector through a strong partnership with the Ministry of Energy. He stated that 18 of the country’s 20 major hospitals are now energy-independent, benefiting from solar power systems that support critical healthcare services. Connaught Hospital, one of the country’s leading referral hospitals, now operates on a 1.2-megawatt solar energy system, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply for medical services. In addition, approximately 380 health facilities across the country have been equipped with solar power systems to provide stable energy for lighting, medical equipment, and other essential operations.
He furthered that the government is undertaking major investments in healthcare infrastructure, including plans for a 300-bed hospital in Kerry Town and a modern cancer diagnosis and treatment centre. The Ministry is also working to establish a large-scale oxygen production facility in Kerry Town to strengthen healthcare services throughout the Western Area.
Addressing the government’s 300 Days of Activism, the Health Minister noted that Sierra Leone has already recorded one of the fastest declines in maternal mortality globally, alongside significant reductions in infant and child mortality. He stressed, however, that the government remains committed to achieving even greater progress under President Julius Maada Bio’s vision to eliminate preventable maternal and child deaths. The campaign is anchored on three key objectives: zero preventable maternal deaths, zero preventable child deaths, and universal protection of children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Providing an update on the campaign’s first 100 days, the Minister announced a 31 per cent reduction in maternal mortality and an 11 per cent decline in infant mortality. He also reported that health authorities had successfully identified and vaccinated approximately 5,000 previously unvaccinated children, reducing the number of children who had missed routine vaccinations by nearly half. He attributed these achievements to enhanced collaboration among healthcare workers, local authorities, traditional leaders, communities, and development partners across the country.
Looking ahead, the Minister said the next phase of the campaign would focus on intensive action in communities nationwide, emphasising that every sector of society has a role to play in safeguarding the health of women and children. He called on journalists, civil society organisations, community leaders, and citizens to continue supporting the initiative, expressing confidence that Sierra Leone can achieve its goal of eliminating preventable maternal and child deaths through collective action and sustained commitment.