The Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to modernize the Sierra Leone Nursing and Midwifery Council (SLNMC) through the development of a centralized database system. This digital transformation will enhance the efficiency, security, and regulatory capabilities of the council, ensuring that only qualified professionals are certified to practice.

Healthcare regulation in Sierra Leone is set to take a major step forward. The new database system will streamline core functions such as Indexing, Examinations, Registrations, certifications, and Verifications of nurses and midwives across the country. By moving from manual to digital operations, the SLNMC will enhance its oversight, reduce errors, and foster transparency in the sector.

 Key Features of the System 

This state-of-the-art platform comes with several functionalities designed to improve nursing and midwifery regulation: 

• Indexing & Examination Management – Ensures only qualified candidates take the council exams. 

• Data Security & Disaster Recovery – Cloud-based storage protects records from loss or damage. 

• Verification System – Employers worldwide can verify nurse credentials, increasing trust in Sierra Leone’s healthcare professionals. 

• Accreditation Management – Enables SLNMC to track and monitor nursing and midwifery training institutions. 

• Registration & Licensing – Digital registration, licensing, and certification processes to eliminate inefficiencies. 

• License Renewal & CPD Compliance – Ensures nurses meet Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements before renewal. 

• Automated Reminders – Notifies nurses about license expirations and alerts the council about practitioners with expired licenses. 

“For years, the regulation of nursing and midwifery has faced challenges due to outdated manual processes. This database system will not only improve efficiency but also safeguard the credibility of our profession.” – Christiana B. Massally, Registrar, Sierra Leone Nursing and Midwifery Council 

In photo: Registrar of SLNMC, the Chief Nursing Officer, Officer-in-Charge at UNFPA, DSTI’s Director & Project Manager
 The implementation of this system will bring significant improvements to the regulation of nursing and midwifery in Sierra Leone: 

• Improved regulatory oversight – Strengthening governance and compliance within the sector. 
• Increased efficiency – Automating key processes will save time and reduce administrative burdens.
• Enhanced accountability and transparency – Digital records make it easier to monitor qualifications and practice compliance.
• Better service delivery – Reliable and secure data will support informed decision-making in the healthcare sector. 

“Investing in digital solutions for healthcare regulation aligns with UNFPA’s commitment to strengthening health systems and achieving positive reproductive and maternal health outcomes. By enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of nurses and midwives registration, we are collectively contributing to a more responsive and capable health workforce—ultimately improving maternal and newborn health.” – Sibeso Mululuma, Officer-in-Charge, UNFPA Sierra Leone. 

“The system DSTI is building is robust, with the potential to be adapted by other professional regulatory bodies such as the Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Council. Expanding this digital solution to other sectors will further enhance regulatory oversight and promote efficiency across various professions.” – Ibrahim Rashid Bayoh, Technical Director, DSTI 

“Our goal is to build a system that is not only efficient but also scalable and sustainable. This is more than just a database – it is a foundation for trust, quality, and progress in nursing and midwifery practice. This project is a testament to DSTI’s commitment to leveraging technology for impactful reforms across multiple sectors.” – Tigidankay Bah, Project Manager, DSTI 

“The digitization of the Sierra Leone Nursing and Midwifery Council is a game-changer in our efforts to improve regulatory efficiency. This system will ensure data security, enhance accountability, and ultimately contribute to better healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone.” – Jasper Sembie, Director & COO, DSTI 

DSTI previously developed PReSTrack in partnership with Ministry of Health, another digital solution with support from UNFPA, aimed at improving Pregnancy Registration and Service Tracking. This platform enhances maternal health services by ensuring that pregnant women are registered early and receive timely and continuous care throughout their pregnancy journey. PReSTrack is currently being rolled out nationwide – this highlights DSTI’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology for impactful healthcare reforms. 

These initiatives represent a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s healthcare digital transformation journey. By leveraging technology to strengthen professional regulation, DSTI is helping to build a resilient healthcare workforce that meets global standards.