World Health Day 2025: Caritas Freetown Calls for Action to End Preventable Maternal, Newborn Deaths

The award-winning Catholic Priest noted that inadequate access to healthcare and support is one of the major factors contributing to preventable deaths of women and newborns in Sierra Leone.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every mother has access to the quality care she needs at every stage of her journey,’ Fr. Konteh insisted.

According to the United Nations (UN), Sierra Leone has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world, with 1,360 mothers dying for every 100,000 live births.

The death rates for newborns, infants, and children under five are also among the highest globally, with 34, 82, and 111 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively.

The alarming numbers highlight the serious problems women and children face in the West African nation, including poor healthcare services and health facilities that lack proper equipment and trained staff.

To address the gap, Caritas Freetown has been partnering with other entities at Christ the King Hospital to offer affordable healthcare to those in need. The development arm of the Church in Freetown has been working to improve access to healthcare among the vulnerable communities in Sierra Leone that struggle to access affordable services and necessary medications due to extreme poverty in the country.

Fr. Konteh emphasized the significance of the theme of this year’s World Health Day 2025 celebrations, saying, “The theme of this year’s campaign serves as a vital reminder that healthy beginnings are crucial for hopeful futures.”

“Our investments in maternal health not only save lives but also have profound implications for the health of families, communities, and nations. By prioritizing women's health, we lay the groundwork for the well-being of future generations,” the Sierra Leonean Priest added.