By Emma Black
Sierra Leone is witnessing measurable and life-changing improvements in healthcare outcomes under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, whose human capital development agenda continues to translate policy into tangible results. Recent health data confirm steady progress across maternal health, child survival, disease control, and workforce development demonstrating that lives are being saved and quality of life is improving year after year.
According to national and international indicators, including the Human Capital Index, Human Development Index, and life expectancy measures, Sierra Leone’s health performance in 2026 surpasses outcomes recorded in both 2023 and 2017. These improvements, government officials note, are not abstract statistics but real evidence of strengthened systems and better health outcomes for citizens.
Maternal health outcomes have shown marked improvement. Facility-based maternal deaths have declined by 29 percent, reflecting stronger health systems and improved clinical care. The maternal mortality ratio has dropped dramatically from 717 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019 to 354 in 2023—one of the most notable public health achievements in recent years.
Safe childbirth has also become nearly universal, with skilled birth attendance exceeding 95 percent and institutional deliveries reaching 98 percent nationwide. These gains have been supported by the expansion of nursing schools across the country and the training of thousands of traditional birth attendants.
Child health indicators have also recorded major gains. Under-five mortality has been reduced by nearly half, while the cure rate for severe acute malnutrition now exceeds 99 percent—well above global benchmarks.
The national immunisation programme has been strengthened significantly. Full childhood vaccination coverage, including DTP3, has reached 90 percent, while human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage stands at an impressive 99 percent nationwide. Most routine antigens now meet or exceed 95 percent coverage, and Vitamin A supplementation has surpassed 100 percent across all districts.
In addition, the intake of medical students has expanded from 700 to 1,100, with women accounting for 75 percent of new entrants supporting both health system sustainability and gender inclusion.
Training and workforce development have accelerated across the health sector. The country has added 15 new medical specialists and 117 resident doctors, alongside investments in faculty development. More than 1,800 frontline health workers have been trained in data reporting to improve monitoring and accountability.
The recruitment of 3,000 additional healthcare workers is currently underway, and 86 newly qualified doctors have been sworn in to reinforce frontline service delivery across the country.
Sierra Leone has also recorded major gains in disease prevention and control. HIV incidence has fallen by over 50 percent, while knowledge of HIV status increased from 80 percent in 2023 to 87 percent in 2024. Antiretroviral therapy coverage improved from 76 percent to 86 percent over the same period.
Tuberculosis treatment success now stands at 92 percent, exceeding the global target of 90 percent. In 2024, transmission of lymphatic filariasis was officially interrupted, allowing the country to enter the elimination phase.
Laboratory capacity has been strengthened with the installation of two high-capacity viral load machines, which delivered approximately 45,000 tests in their first year of operation.
To support these advances, the government has mobilised US$157.9 million in health financing under national governance frameworks, including US$136 million from the Global Fund and US$20 million from the Pandemic Fund.
The government has acknowledged the contributions of current and former Ministers of Health, their deputies, and health sector teams nationwide, as well as the dedication of healthcare workers at all levels. Together with development partners, these efforts continue to drive progress toward a more equitable, resilient, and people-centred healthcare system.
While challenges remain, the consistent improvement in outcomes underscores the government’s commitment to human capital development. As officials emphasise, the results reflect a simple reality: Sierra Leoneans are healthier today than in previous years and the country is steadily delivering on its promise of better healthcare for all.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 11th February 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
