By Lemuella Tarawallie
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Government of the People’s Republic of China and with support from the China South–South Cooperation Fund, has officially launched a $3.2 billion health implementation project aimed at transforming newborn and child survival across Sierra Leone.
The initiative, launched on Thursday, 30th April 2026 at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, is titled “Acceleration of Newborn and Child Health for Improved Survival and Well-being.”
The programme seeks to significantly reduce newborn mortality and strengthen health systems, with an ambitious target of achieving 90 to 95 percent newborn survival rates nationwide.
UNICEF Country Representative Rudolf Schwenk described the initiative as a timely global health intervention, adding that it reflects a strong commitment to global solidarity and investment in a healthier future for Sierra Leone’s children.
“This is about saving lives and securing the future of every child,” he emphasized.
He noted that the project will directly benefit nearly 400,000 children, while indirectly reaching over 1.1 million newborns through stronger health systems.
The Ambassador of China to Sierra Leone, Zhao Yong, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in health development. He said the project builds on earlier achievements in maternal and child health, including expanded Special Care Baby Units and improved survival outcomes.
Deputy Minister I of Health, Charles Senesie, said the project is fully aligned with Sierra Leone’s health priorities, emphasizing a national shift toward prevention.
“We are now firmly focused on preventing deaths, especially preventable maternal and child deaths,” he stated, adding that the goal is “zero preventable maternal deaths, zero preventable child deaths, and improved immunization coverage.”
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sartie Kenneh described the project as a milestone in national health system reform, noting that stronger coordination with partners has contributed to significant reductions in newborn deaths.
Chief Nursing Officer Patricia Bah described the ceremony as a defining moment for neonatal nursing, praising graduating nurses as frontline champions of newborn survival.
A representative of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) also highlighted continued UK support since 2016, noting significant improvements in survival rates in some facilities, now exceeding 90 percent.
The initiative also includes expansion of the Post-Basic Certificate in Neonatal Nursing programme to strengthen specialized newborn care nationwide.
The ceremony climaxed with the presentation of certificates to 30 graduating nurses of the third cohort, oath-taking, and the induction of the fourth cohort into the programme.
UNICEF, China, the Government of Sierra Leone, and international partners reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration, describing the initiative as a long-term investment in human capital development.
