In a significant move to improve maternal health in Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Health has launched the Pregnancy Registration and Service Tracking Application (PReSTack). This innovative tool aims to address and reduce the high maternal mortality rate in the country by effectively monitoring and tracking pregnant women throughout their pregnancies.

PReSTack is designed to keep a comprehensive record of every significant maternal event nationwide, providing early warning signs that can lead to life-saving interventions. According to recent UN data, Sierra Leone has seen a decrease in its maternal mortality ratio to 443 per 100,000 live births as of 2023. The Ministry of Health has set ambitious targets to further reduce this rate to less than 300 per 100,000 live births by 2025, with an ultimate goal of reducing it to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.

Minister of Health Austin Demby highlighted the critical role that PReSTack will play in achieving these targets. He emphasized that the application will enable the Ministry to monitor maternal health more effectively, ensuring timely interventions that can save lives.

Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, who served as the keynote speaker at the launch event, underscored the importance of PReSTack in minimizing delays and facilitating prompt responses in maternal healthcare. He assured that the technology is intended to enhance the work of nurses rather than replace their roles. Dr. Sengeh also posed a challenge to the Ministry of Health to strive for a maternal mortality rate of zero by 2038.

PReSTack has been developed in partnership with the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI). This collaboration harnesses cutting-edge technology to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes. A significant feature of the application is its ability to function both online and offline, ensuring that it can be used in various settings across the country.

The launch of PReSTack marks a pivotal step in Sierra Leone's efforts to enhance maternal health and reduce mortality rates. With the integration of advanced technology and a commitment to improving healthcare services, the Ministry of Health is poised to make significant strides in safeguarding the lives of mothers and their newborns.

Ishaqa S. Jalloh

Ishaqajalloh@sierraleonews.com

+23278799279