By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
In a significant move to curtail maternal and child mortality rates, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health has introduced the Child Death Audit/Review, a unique and proactive strategy designed to track, analyze, and document instances of mortality within health facilities and the wider community. This initiative aims to identify underlying causes of deaths, ultimately shaping health policies and preventive strategies across the nation.
The Child Death Audit serves as a cornerstone for various health initiatives, including the Child Survival Action Plan, the National Child Health Program, and the Expanded Program on Immunization. Together, these efforts focus on enhancing the overall quality of healthcare services and ensuring that children reach their full potentials.
Adama Kondeh, a State Registered Nurse (SRN) working in the Resuscitation Ward of the pediatric unit, shares her optimistic perspective on the initiative. “This program is a stepping stone towards the right direction in monitoring the causes of maternal and child deaths,” she asserts. Through her involvement in the death reviews, Kondeh has gained valuable insights into the significance of monitoring during palliative and hospice care, particularly with vital signs before and after transfusions.
Despite facing challenges such as inadequate equipment, Kondeh emphasizes that the reviews have transformed their practices. “We can now record and analyze vitals, especially hemoglobin levels, which are critical for patient care,” she explains. The training provided has expanded their competencies in handling cases ranging from hypoglycemia and complicated malaria to severe acute malnutrition and effective documentation.
Moreover, Kondeh highlights the enhanced communication between healthcare providers that the Child Death Audit fostered. “This platform has improved our communication, solidifying our intervention strategies, especially in managing critically ill children,” she notes.
The government’s commitment to minimizing maternal and child mortality is further exemplified by their collaboration with local and international partners. CHAMPS-SL, a vital local partner, has been instrumental in supporting the initiative through its data-to-action initiatives, helping to address some of the challenges faced in the field. However, as highlighted by Kondeh and other healthcare professionals, there remains a considerable amount of work ahead to ensure sustainable improvements in child health.
By prioritizing comprehensive audits and fostering communication among healthcare providers, Sierra Leone demonstrates a commitment to developing robust strategies that address maternal and child health challenges effectively. As highlighted by the experiences of dedicated professionals like Adama Kondeh, these initiatives hold promise for a healthier future for the nation’s children.
