Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has highlighted significant progress in the country’s healthcare system at the AM25 Health Works Leaders Coalition Roundtable in Washington, D.C., where he represented President Julius Maada Bio.
Demby told delegates that Sierra Leone is undergoing a major healthcare transformation focused on expanding access, improving quality, and strengthening resilience across the sector. He said the government plans to increase the number of primary healthcare units from 1,600 to 2,000 by 2030, ensuring broader national coverage.
According to Demby, about 85% of Sierra Leone’s population already lives within five kilometres of a health facility, reflecting years of sustained investment in primary care. He added that more than 380 health facilities are now powered by renewable energy sources, providing 24-hour electricity to support essential services.
The minister also said the government has recruited over 8,000 health professionals and is transitioning 10,000 volunteers onto the national payroll. In addition, more than 25,000 community health workers—most of them women—are helping deliver essential care at the community level.
Demby urged international partners to support what he described as an ongoing transformation, not a new initiative. “We invite partners to join us not in starting a journey, but in accelerating a transformation already underway,” he said.
The Health Minister’s remarks come as Sierra Leone continues to prioritise investments in health infrastructure, renewable energy, and workforce development to strengthen service delivery and improve health outcomes nationwide.
