Health Minister Takes Case to UNGA

As the country presses ahead to fulfill President Bio’s promise of zero preventable maternal deaths, zero preventable child deaths, and zero zero-dose children, Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby emphasized how crucial sustainable financing and political support are to turning the campaign into a lasting culture of accountability and care.

Speaking on behalf of H.E Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Chief Minister, Dr. David Sengeh underscored the highest level of political commitment behind the campaign, reaffirming that Triple Zero remains a national priority backed by the President himself. He also spoke to the human impact behind the numbers, how real-time data is not just measuring progress, but actively saving the lives of mothers, newborns, and children in communities across the country.

More than 200 days into our 300 Days of Activism, here is where the country stands: maternal deaths are 31% lower compared to the same period last year, infant deaths are down 11%, and we have surpassed our vaccination target by nearly 105%.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mustapha Kabba presented the story behind the numbers, demonstrating how the results of the past 200 days have moved the campaign from bold ambition to measurable impact, shifting the national conversation from whether progress is possible to how we sustain and build on it.

Providing a continental perspective, the Director General of Africa CDC, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, described #300DaysOfActivism as a milestone, calling Sierra Leone a model for where Africa is making real change for its mothers and children.

Dr. Demby closed by assuring partners that Sierra Leone has reached an inflection point in its journey toward the Triple Zero targets. He pledged a firm commitment to financial accountability, promised to scale up community engagement, and emphasized that every patient must not only receive quality healthcare but also experience care that is dignified, compassionate, and transformative.