Despite significant progress in recent years, Sierra Leone continues to face one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world, with 354 deaths per 100,000 live births recorded in 2023. High rates of teenage pregnancy, limited access to family planning, long travel distances to health facilities and a shortage of trained healthcare workers remain persistent challenges.

In Kenema district, MSF collaborates with the Ministry of Health to strengthen emergency obstetric care, antenatal services, family planning, and community‑based healthcare at the MSF‑supported Government Maternity and Children Hospital and at supported Peripheral Healthcare Units (PHUs) across the district. This work supports broader national efforts to reduce maternal and under‑five mortality by improving quality of care, expanding health workforce capacity, and integrating reproductive health services.

Through the dedicated work of midwives and doctors ensuring safe deliveries, nurses triaging and stabilizing women and adolescent girls, health promoters providing essential education on maternal health and family planning, family planning nurses counselling and enrolling women and girls in contraceptive services, and pharmacy teams ensuring the continuous supply of essential medicines, MSF teams strengthens efforts to promote safe motherhood in Sierra Leone both within the hospital and across supported communities.