A quiet revolution is underway in Sierra Leone's healthcare system, with a surge in skilled midwives playing a critical role in reducing maternal and neonatal deaths. At the forefront of this progress is Mary Turay, a 2023 graduate of the Makeni School of Midwifery. Supported by UNFPA with funding from the UK Government (FCDO), Mary is part of a new generation of healthcare professionals transforming maternal health outcomes in Sierra Leone.
Midwives are central to UNFPA's goals of achieving zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet needs for family planning, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices. Through the FCDO-funded "Saving Lives" programme, UNFPA collaborated with the Government of Sierra Leone to enhance midwifery training in Freetown, Makeni, and Bo. This strategic investment directly addressed the critical shortage of skilled birth attendants, ensuring safer childbirth experiences for women across the country.
The impact of this commitment is undeniable. Over the past two decades, Sierra Leone has achieved a remarkable 79% reduction in its maternal mortality ratio falling from 1,682 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 354 per 100,000 live births in 2023. This milestone underscores the profound effect of sustained investment in midwifery education and comprehensive maternal health services. It also highlights the importance of partnership, policy support, and community engagement in driving real and measurable change.
Mary’s journey into midwifery was driven by a deep sense of purpose—witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) on women during childbirth.
“I saw how women suffered in delivery, how postpartum hemorrhage was taking lives, and I knew I had to contribute to reduce this,” Mary explains. “Now, I have the skills and experience to intervene and save lives, and that makes me proud to be a midwife.”
The Midwifery training Mary received equipped her with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively manage pregnancy complications, facilitate safe deliveries, and provide crucial newborn care. Prior to the training, Mary had limited understanding of maternity care. Today, she is a vital member of the post-operative ward at the Makeni Regional Government Hospital, diligently ensuring mothers experience a safe and healthy recovery after giving birth. The dedication of midwives like Mary Turay offers a beacon of hope, promising healthier futures for mothers and newborns in Sierra Leone.
Reflecting on her training, Mary emphasizes the impact it has had on her ability to provide crucial care. "The school prepared me greatly," she states. "I didn’t understand much about delivery before, but now I have the expertise to care for pregnant women and newborns. The practical experience I gained during my training has helped me save many lives."
She offers a strong message of encouragement to current midwifery students: "Take your studies seriously," she urges, highlighting the profound life-saving impact of their future work.
Mary's journey into this critical role has been significantly supported by the sustained investment in midwifery education and training initiatives by the Government of Sierra Leone and its development partners.
"UNFPA supported me from the time I entered midwifery school until I completed my studies," she gratefully acknowledges.
The increasing number of well-trained midwives like Mary is a significant factor in Sierra Leone's steady progress towards reducing both maternal and neonatal mortality rates, offering a brighter outlook for the health and well-being of mothers and newborns across the country.
