A few weeks ago an important moment took place in Freetown to make a comprehensive evaluation of the 4-year intervention carried out by Doctors with Africa CUAMM and UNFPA with the support of the UK Department for International Development as part of the second phase of the Saving Lives project.
A moment to highlight the results achieved, the progress made but also challenging aspects and future prospects. The intervention in support of maternal health in three different hospitals in the country – the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH) in Freetown, and the hospitals of Bo and Makeni – involved several strategic areas, from the training of human resources, to the improvement of the quality of services and health facilities. In particular, the High Dependency Units (HDUs), the intensive care units of the three hospitals, continued to be fully operational, ensuring a fundamental service for the survival of many women in a country where maternal mortality, although slightly improving, remains very high, 1,120 deaths per 100,000 births. The project has also provided management support and technical assistance to hospitals, the supply of drugs and personal protective equipment to combat Covid-19, and the engagement of communities through meetings and radio campaigns.
Doctors with Africa Cuamm’s objective is to continue its commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s health system, particularly maternal and child health services. Ensuring the health of mothers and children means ensuring the well-being of the whole community.
