FREETOWN – President Dr Julius Maada Bio on Thursday received the Day 200 progress report of Sierra Leone’s 300 Days of Activism for Triple Zero campaign, the government’s flagship drive to end preventable maternal and child deaths and ensure every child is vaccinated.
The President praised the results achieved so far and urged all involved to keep up the pace in the remaining 100 days.
“The report clearly shows we are making real progress,” President Bio said in a Facebook post. “As we enter the final stretch, I commend the Ministry of Health, our health workers, communities and partners for what they have achieved. I call on them to stay focused and protect these gains.”
Nearly 200 days into the campaign, the Ministry of Health reports that maternal deaths have fallen by 31.1 percent and child deaths by 14.4 percent compared with the same period last year. Almost every identified zero-dose child has now received vaccines.
Health officials credit the improvements to weekly accountability meetings in all 16 districts, round-the-clock tracking of child deaths, and the dedication of frontline workers across the country.
Minister of Health Dr Austin Demby said the numbers prove Sierra Leone’s health system is delivering on the President’s vision.
“The gains are real, and now we must protect them,” Dr Demby stated. “This campaign is about making sure no mother dies giving life, no child dies from a preventable cause, and no child is left without vaccines. Our frontline workers are the real heroes. We remain committed to sustaining these results through 2028.”
He also revealed that Sierra Leone will showcase the campaign’s achievements at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) from 20 to 22 September, with the aim of strengthening partnerships and securing long-term funding.
Launched earlier this year, the Triple Zero campaign focuses on three clear goals: zero preventable maternal deaths, zero preventable child deaths, and zero unvaccinated children. It builds on more than 20 years of progress and is backed by free healthcare for pregnant women and under-fives, expanded emergency response systems, solar-powered hospitals, real-time digital monitoring, and partnerships with organisations such as Gavi and the World Health Organization.
With strong results already recorded at the halfway mark, health stakeholders say the campaign is well positioned to meet its targets and further improve maternal and child health outcomes nationwide.
