In April
of 2010, Sierra Leone implemented a policy of free healthcare for pregnant
women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under five. The policy has reduced mortality
rates for pregnant women and deaths from malaria for small children.
Robert Yates, a senior health economist in Britain’s Department for International
Development said the results in Sierra Leone have been “nothing short of
spectacular.” His figures suggest a 214 percent increase in the number of
children under 5 getting care at health facilities, a 61 percent decrease in mortality
rates in difficult pregnancy cases, and an 85 percent drop in the malaria
fatality rate for children.
Government figures show that since the introduction of the initiative,
more women are accessing antenatal care and delivering their babies in health
facilities. However, many women continue to face serious challenges in
accessing the drugs and medical care crucial for safe pregnancy and childbirth.
An Amnesty International report, At a Crossroads: Sierra Leone’s Free Health
Care Policy, revealed that many women are being charged for the care they receive.
The report called upon Sierra Leone to strengthen and establish systems of
monitoring and accountability to ensure health care interventions are
accessible to women and girls and to guarantee their access to effective
remedies for violations of their human rights.
Although challenges remain, the new policy has dramatically improved
material health within Sierra Leone.
- Madeline R. Lee
SOURCE: New York Times
Posts
