By Saidu Kargbo
Freetown, 10th June, 2026 — Sierra Leone has recorded a 31% reduction in maternal mortality and an 11% decline in infant mortality within the first 100 days of the Ministry of Health’s 300 Days of Activism Campaign, Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby announced Tuesday.
The campaign, launched on March 1, 2026, under the banner of the “Triple Zero” initiative zero preventable maternal deaths, zero preventable child deaths, and zero vaccine‑preventable illnesses, has already delivered striking results.
Minister Demby credited the progress to the combined efforts of healthcare workers, community leaders, and district officials, while stressing that more work is needed to further reduce infant deaths.
“We are happy with the 31% drop in maternal mortality and the 11% drop in infant mortality, but we know we have a lot more work to do,” he said.
The remaining 200 days of the campaign will focus on sustaining these gains and expanding outreach to every city and district. The Minister emphasised the importance of community involvement, urging citizens, journalists, civil society, and local leaders to continue supporting the initiative.
The nearly 50% reduction in unvaccinated children is particularly significant, as it strengthens Sierra Leone’s resilience against vaccine‑preventable diseases.
The Ministry of Health says the campaign is not only about immediate results but also about building a stronger, more reliable healthcare system. With maternal and infant mortality rates historically among the highest in the region, the figures released Tuesday mark a major step forward in Sierra Leone’s public health journey.
