Freetown: The Government of Sierra Leone launched “300 Days of Activism,” a nationwide campaign targeting zero preventable maternal deaths, zero preventable child deaths, and zero “zero-dose” children across the country. Authorities unveiled the initiative to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, aiming to strengthen healthcare systems, improve service delivery, and enhance community-based health mechanisms nationwide.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, Deputy Chief Medical Officer addressed attendees, highlighting significant health sector progress. Maternal mortality dropped over 70 percent in recent years through improved accountability and high health worker performance. The campaign rests on three pillars: zero preventable maternal deaths, zero preventable infant deaths, and zero-dose children lacking routine vaccinations.
Dr. Moses outlined an operational framework, linking the campaign to President Julius Maada Bio’s African Union Summit pledge. Key objectives include expanded immunization coverage, essential newborn care, skilled facility-based births, strengthened health systems, improved human resources, and better data management. Family planning stands central to the campaign strategy. Protecting newborns, improving emergency neonatal care, integrating child health services, and ensuring district vaccination tracking complete the comprehensive approach.
Sierra Leone Association of Allied Health Professionals representative Mr. Conteh reaffirmed service delivery commitment, emphasizing that no woman should die while giving birth. Competence, accountability, safe surgeries, emergency response, and infectious disease control form critical contributions during the 300-day campaign. Deputy Local Government Minister Jamiru emphasized the importance of community health centers, calling on men to actively support their spouses during pregnancy and childbirth as a collective national responsibility.
Information and Civic Education Minister Chernor Bah described steady healthcare transformation. Reflecting on past facility inadequacies, he commended President Bio’s leadership in improving immunization and community support mechanisms. Health and Sanitation Minister Austin Demby delivered a strong message, reiterating the President’s African Union conference commitment to championing systemic healthcare reforms across Sierra Leone.
Gender and Children’s Affairs Minister Isata Mahoi stressed that maternal health transcends medical concerns. Zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unsafe births, and zero-dose children remain government priorities. The campaign aligns with the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, highlighting that maternal healthcare represents a right, not charity.
Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh delivered a keynote address, reflecting on the 2018 human capital development vision and acknowledging the 70 percent maternal death reduction since then. He encouraged community activism, stating, “Together we will deliver,” as he officially declared the 300 Days of Activism launched. Stakeholders reaffirmed their collective commitment, emphasizing that every woman and every child in Sierra Leone must survive and thrive.