Freetown, Sierra Leone – April 2025 – As part of World Health Day 2025 commemorations, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), convened a high-level National Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) Steering Committee meeting under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” The national sub-theme “Tackling the Public Health Emergency of Preventable Maternal and Child Mortality” reflects Sierra Leone’s renewed efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths.

Held on 8–9 April in Freetown, the meeting brought together key stakeholders including MoHS officials, development partners, district health leaders, and civil society organizations. The forum provided an opportunity to assess current progress, highlight ongoing challenges, and agree on strategic actions to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes across the country.

Despite important gains in recent years, maternal and perinatal mortality in Sierra Leone remain unacceptably high. The MPDSR platform was established to systematically record, review, and respond to these deaths—not to assign blame—but to ensure that lessons are learned, and corrective actions are taken.

“Preventable maternal and child deaths are not just tragic—they are unacceptable,” said Dr. Francis Moses, Director of Reproductive and Child Health at MoHS. “Through this resolution, we are strengthening our systems to ensure every death is counted, reviewed, and acted upon.”

During the two-day meeting, participants reviewed district-level data and highlighted bottlenecks in translating maternal death review findings into timely action. The meeting culminated in the formal adoption of a national MPDSR resolution on 9 April 2025, signed by District Medical Officers (DMOs) and Medical Superintendents, and witnessed by the Chief Medical Officer, WHO Country Representative, and members of the National MPDSR Committee.

“Preventable maternal and child deaths are not just statistics—they are urgent calls to action,” said Dr. George Ameh, WHO Representative in Sierra Leone. “This resolution reinforces the importance of accountability, timely data, and collective responsibility. We urge District Medical Officers and Medical Superintendents to uphold this resolution. He also stressed that WHO is to support its full realization and implementation. WHO remains committed to supporting the Government and all stakeholders to ensure that every mother and child not only survives but thrives.”

Key commitments in the resolution include:

Leadership and ownership: District Medical Officers and Medical Superintendents reaffirmed full oversight of MPDSR in their districts. All maternal deaths must be immediately reported to the national Incident Management System Situation Room and the Chief Medical Officer, with leaders actively participating in all investigations and reviews.

Timely notification, investigation, and review: All maternal and perinatal deaths must be reported within 24 hours using the electronic Community-Based Disease Surveillance (eCBDS) system. Hospital investigations must be completed within 72 hours, and within 7 days for PHU and community-level deaths. Final review reports must be completed within a month and include quality improvement plans.

Weekly reporting and data use: Weekly MPDSR review meetings will be conducted at the national level with district participation to review all maternal, perinatal, and child deaths. These reviews will help guide immediate system improvements using validated, real-time data.

Regular and effective district-level meetings: Monthly multidisciplinary MPDSR meetings, including near-miss reviews, will be held at district level following national MPDSR codes of practice—ensuring a culture of learning, confidentiality, non-blame, and mutual respect.

Partner coordination and resource mobilization: The resolution calls for improved coordination among government and development partners to ensure efficient use of resources and support for RMNCAH activities.

Dr. Sartie Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the need for sustained momentum. “We have made important strides, but now is the time to act boldly. The lives of women and children depend on how swiftly and effectively we respond. This resolution sends a strong message that delays and gaps are no longer acceptable. We must serve with professionalism and greater accountability. Continuing to learn as we serve is an unfinished business. ”

The meeting closed with a strong call for increased multisectoral collaboration and investment in health systems that prioritize women and children. Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to support MPDSR as a key strategy in reducing maternal and neonatal deaths and achieving universal health coverage.