Freetown, Sierra Leone - At the age of 21, Fatmata Kassay, a university student of political science says that, following the birth of her first child, she is committed to completing her studies with the ambition of becoming a lawyer one day. “I want to become a lawyer after completing my first degree in political science. I am determined and will soon return to the classroom,” said the second of three siblings.
With support from the Governments of the United Kingdom and Italy, UNFPA in partnership with Doctors for Africa(CUAAM), is supporting the Ministry of Health in improving obstetric and new-born emergency care and contribute to the reduction of maternal deaths.
This support is provided to Princess Christian Maternity Hospital in Freetown, where Fatmata had her baby, and which is the country’s biggest tertiary referral hospital in the provision of comprehensive emergency obstetric and neonatal services.
The support to PCMH had included extension and renovation of the labor thus creating a more conducive environment for childbirth. Additionally, a maternal High Dependency Unit was established at the hospital to address obstetric emergencies. The unit was also equipped with specialized medical equipment and staffed by skilled healthcare professionals trained to manage critical pregnancy-related situations.
Other support to the hospital has included enhancing the capacity to respond to obstetric emergencies, and reduce maternal deaths, improving availability of essential medical equipment, drugs and consumables available at PCMH for provision of quality obstetric and new-born care, and increasing the availability of trained personnel for emergency care and IPC
When Fatmata became pregnant and was staying in Bo, she received her routine antenatal care at the UNFPA-supported health facility, the Bo Government Hospital.
She believes that to ensure safe birth, every pregnant woman should deliver in a health facility.
Fatmata was admitted at PCMH on 23 August 2023 and a day later, safely delivered a healthy baby in the maternal ward of the hospital that had undergone repairs supported by UNFPA.
Sierra Leone continues to make steady progress in tackling preventable maternal deaths with recent UN estimates indicating a significant reduction by 74 percent between 2000 and 2020, from 1,682 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 443 per 100,000 live births.
“Giving birth safely has helped me renew my determination to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer. The support of donors and government to the hospital, PCMH, is accounting for safe deliveries,” Fatmata said.
With a beaming smile, she adds, “The services rendered by the midwives were great. They were very professional. I am also grateful because I didn’t pay for anything in the facility. I look forward to going back to the classroom and continue with my studies, once colleges reopen.”
Media Contacts:
John Baimba Sesay | Web and Media Analyst | UNFPA Sierra Leone | jsesay@unfpa.org
