By Nafisatu Olayinka Deen
Freetown, 25th May 2026- “Pre-eclampsia is a high blood pressure disorder that typically develops after 20 weeks into pregnancy. It can present serious risks to both mother and baby. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent progression to eclampsia, which involves seizures. Both conditions can be life-threatening,” according to WHO.
A 2025 study published in BMC reveals that Pregnancy and induced hypertension accounted for 16% of maternal deaths in 2016, ranking as the second leading cause of maternal mortality in Sierra Leone. The study highlights a heavy toll of hypertensive pregnancy disorders in Sierra Leone.
Pre-eclampsia Day is observed globally on the 22nd of May every year to raise awareness about a life-threatening blood pressure disorder in pregnant women. This year’s theme, “Know Her Symptoms”, focuses on raising awareness about the medical condition.
Executive Director and Community Engagement Lead, Lifeline Nehemaiah Project, Prince Tommy Williams said that during community engagements and awareness raising, he discovered that many people believe that the condition [Pre-eclampsia] is related to witchcraft and other spiritual beliefs. He said: “The medical condition is associated with myths surrounding witchcraft in most communities and most people are unaware that it is a life-threatening medical condition that can be treated when a woman is on antenatal care.”
Gynaecologist and Medical superintendent at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH), Dr Amadu Sesay, explained the common signs of Preeclampsia, stating severe recurring headache, swollen face, dim vision, upper abdominal pain and sudden weight. “Preeclampsia affects the kidneys and the liver of pregnant women and this prevents them from functioning well, making it life-threatening for a woman who is unaware of her condition,” Sesay said. “Antenatal care is extremely important because doctors and nurses can detect the condition before it reaches a severe stage.”
Specialist Obstetrician, PCMH, Dr Rossetta Cole said that these symptoms come before Eclampsia- convulsion and warns that women should seek instant medical attention when they notice these symptoms.
A survivor of preeclampsia, Umu Fyi, said that she lost her baby because of preeclampsia and doctors could not save her because her condition was already severe when she sought medical attention. “If I had pre-knowledge about this, then my baby would have been alive,” she said.
Dr Amadu Sesay strongly advised that antenatal care is crucial for all pregnant women, noting that this will help in detecting the condition which can affect anyone. “Preeclampsia is not associated with witchcraft; it is not a spiritual matter but rather a medical condition that threatens the lives of pregnant women and their babies,” he said, urging family members, husbands, and other relatives to always prioritize pregnant women and put them at the centre of care. “Antenatal care is crucial for all pregnant women and early detection of preeclampsia symptoms can save lives,” he emphasized.
