Sierra Leone Receives 300,000 Vials of Heat-Stable Carbetocin to Combat Maternal Mortality
Freetown, Sierra Leone – May 29, 2025
In a significant stride toward reducing maternal mortality in Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Health—through the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA)—today received a consignment of 300,000 vials of heat-stable Carbetocin. The life-saving medication was supplied by Cotton Tree Medical Group, with funding provided by the Large Anonymous Donor (LAD).
Heat-stable Carbetocin is a critical drug used in the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), a leading cause of maternal deaths, particularly in low-income countries. Its heat stability makes it especially suitable for use in areas with limited cold-chain storage. The procurement was facilitated by the NMSA in collaboration with the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services.
Speaking at the handover event, Deputy Minister of Health I, Professor Charles Senessie, emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes for women and newborns. “The introduction of heat-stable Carbetocin is a game changer,” Professor Senessie said. “This delivery marks another milestone in our journey to reduce maternal mortality and enhance maternal care nationwide.”
Dr. Mustapha Kabba, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Clinical Services, underscored the drug’s importance, noting that heat-stable Carbetocin has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing maternal deaths, especially in settings where storage infrastructure is limited. “This medication is not just essential; it is lifesaving,” Dr. Kabba stated. “But our efforts go beyond drug procurement. We are also focused on strengthening infrastructure, human resources, and the availability of essential medical equipment.”
Dr. Kabba praised the NMSA and the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services for their successful handling of the procurement process and the timely delivery of the drugs.
Assuring stakeholders of efficient distribution, the Chief Pharmacist and Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Dr. Moses Batema,
speaking on behalf of his colleague the MD of NMSA, Md. Jatu Abdulai, pledged close coordination with the Directorate of Reproductive and Child Health to ensure that the medication reaches service delivery points across the country. He also promised to implement a robust monitoring framework to ensure the drugs are used effectively and for their intended purpose.
This initiative marks a significant step in Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to achieve sustainable improvements in maternal health and reduce preventable deaths among women during childbirth.