Sierra Leone Seeks Sustained Global Support for Triple Zero Health Campaign

Sierra Leone has urged international partners to maintain financing and political support for its Triple Zero Campaign, warning that recent progress in maternal and child health must be sustained beyond the Government’s 300 Days of Activism.

Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby made the appeal at an event held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. He said continued support would help turn reported improvements into lasting advances in care.

“There couldn’t be a better time to change the narrative for mothers and babies in Sierra Leone than now,” Dr. Demby said.

Reported progress during campaign period

Figures presented at the event showed that maternal deaths were 31 percent lower than during the comparable period last year, while infant deaths were reported to be 11 percent lower.

The campaign also reached approximately 105 percent of its target for vaccinating children who had previously received no routine doses.

These figures relate to the campaign period under review and are not final national mortality estimates. The presentation did not include the exact numbers of maternal deaths, infant deaths or children vaccinated.

The Triple Zero Campaign is built around goals of zero preventable maternal deaths, zero preventable child deaths and zero children receiving no routine vaccinations.

Government commitment and accountability

Dr. David Sengeh, speaking on behalf of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the initiative. He highlighted the role of real-time health data in helping health workers identify problems and respond in ways that could save the lives of mothers, newborns and children.

Dr. Mustapha Kabba presented the progress behind the reported figures and addressed the challenge of preserving the gains after the campaign’s 300-day period ends.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, described the initiative as a milestone and pointed to Sierra Leone’s efforts as an example of progress for mothers and children across Africa.

Closing the event, Dr. Demby pledged financial accountability and stronger engagement with communities. He said the campaign’s success would ultimately be measured by whether every patient could receive quality treatment with dignity and compassion, regardless of where they live in Sierra Leone.

The minister’s appeal focused on the need for long-term backing as the Government seeks to protect the campaign’s reported outcomes beyond the initial 300 days.