By Fatou Sillah
The Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, told lawmakers on Wednesday that the country recorded 58 maternal deaths between January and September 2025, a figure he said reflects a significant improvement in maternal health outcomes.
Addressing members of the National Assembly, Dr. Samateh said the deaths occurred among 51,850 live births, translating to an estimated 112 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births—down from 289 per 100,000 in previous years.
“From January to September 2025, the Ministry of Health has recorded 58 maternal mortalities from our health facility statistics out of 51,850 live births,” he said. “This translates to 112 deaths per 100,000 live births. This is a decline from 289 deaths per 100,000 live births.”
He noted that the leading causes of maternal deaths remain hemorrhage and pregnancy-induced hypertension, with late antenatal registration and poor clinic attendance contributing significantly.
“The main causes of death are hemorrhage and pregnancy-induced hypertension. The contributing factors are the late antenatal booking, poor attendance of antenatal clinics, etc.,” he said.
Dr. Samateh outlined several ongoing measures aimed at reducing maternal mortality nationwide. These include mandatory audits of every maternal death to identify preventable causes and expanded mentorship for healthcare workers to strengthen antenatal and intrapartum care.
“One, audit of each mortality to know the preventable causes; two, mentorship of healthcare workers to improve antenatal and intrapartum care,” he said.
He said the ministry is also intensifying community engagement efforts to improve health literacy, encourage early antenatal booking, and promote compliance with medical advice. The revival of primary health care programs—including training for community birth companions and village health workers—is expected to increase home visits, enhance recognition of danger signs, and encourage institutional deliveries.
The minister added that the government has trained 74 additional midwives since January and is continuing to expand, renovate, and construct health facilities across the country. He also highlighted initiatives encouraging men to take more active roles in reproductive health.
Reducing maternal mortality, Dr. Samateh stressed, is “a continuous process” that requires broad community participation.
“We urge all members, especially those who are in close contact with communities, to encourage women to register early and attend antenatal care regularly,” he said.
While noting the drop to 112 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births as “remarkable,” Dr. Samateh said the ministry will continue its efforts with the hope of achieving an even lower rate by the end of the year.