As conversations around global health solutions intensify at the United Nations General Assembly UNGA80, the Minister of Health in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, PhD, MPH, highlighted progress made in reproductive health.
Addressing a high-level strategy session on “Powering Progress for Family Planning and Reproductive Health” at the United Nations Foundation in Washington, D.C., Dr. Demby emphasized the Government’s unwavering commitment to advancing reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health through the life stages approach. This is an innovative healthcare solution that tailors services through every stage of human life.
The Health Minister confirmed that over 620,000 women are using modern contraceptives in 2024, a significant increase from 280,000 back in 2012. Dr. Demby stressed the need for an integrated framework that serves as Sierra Leone’s roadmap to achieving universal health coverage and zero preventable maternal deaths. According to Minister Demby, the progress in contraceptive use has already prevented 230,000 unintended pregnancies, 85,000 unsafe abortions, and 740 maternal deaths.
“The modern contraceptive prevalence rate has risen to 27.4%, while demand satisfaction has reached 59.1%. These are clear markers of President Bio’s commitment to accelerated progress under FP2030,” he pointed out.
Dr. Demby called on global partners to align support with Sierra Leone’s priorities to help close critical financing gaps and reinforce sustainable systems for family planning and reproductive health. The strategy session brought together senior leaders from FP2030, the Global Financing Facility, Engender Health, the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition, and other global health partners to explore opportunities for collaboration, sustainable financing, and impact at scale on the path to 2030.
