In a concerted effort to sustain improvements in maternal health outcomes, the Government of Sierra Leone is actively advancing the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill. Spearheaded by the Ministries of Health, Youth Affairs, and Information and Civic Education, the proposed legislation aims to drastically reduce preventable maternal deaths and ensure universal access to crucial reproductive health services. This landmark bill signifies a powerful commitment to safeguarding the health, rights, and dignity of women and girls across the country.
UNFPA, alongside other partners, is playing a supportive role in this Government-led initiative, providing strategic advocacy, technical expertise, and communications support. UNFPA's engagement is focused on amplifying public awareness, ensuring clear and impactful messaging, and fostering strong collaboration among all relevant stakeholders. These efforts are directly aligned with the government's ambitious vision of a Sierra Leone where no woman dies while giving birth and where universal access to reproductive and maternal health is achieved.
A key focus of the advocacy efforts has been engaging young people, recognizing their crucial role in shaping the future of reproductive health. In partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, UNFPA supported the training of peer facilitators who conducted regional dialogues which empowered young people to understand the direct impact of the bill on their health and future well-being. Furthermore, students and out-of-school youth in Freetown actively participated in awareness campaigns designed to promote inclusive discussions and amplify youth voices in the national conversation.
The Government's commitment to this crucial legislation was further underscored by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s convening of a high-level stakeholder meeting which brought together senior government officials, religious and traditional leaders, and civil society organizations and women-led organizations, to collectively reflect on the profound importance of the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill. The President reaffirmed his support for the Bill and emphasized the need for inclusive and sustained nationwide consultations to ensure its successful passage and implementation.
The successful enactment and effective implementation of the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill hold immense potential to transform health outcomes, promote gender equity, and uphold the fundamental rights of women and girls throughout Sierra Leone.
