Training Frontline Health Workers to Save Newborn Lives in Sierra Leone
In Sierra Leone, the first hours of a baby’s life can be the most dangerous. The country continues to face one of the highest neonatal mortality rates in the world, with an estimated 28–34 newborn deaths for every 1,000 live births. Nearly 40% of all deaths of children under five occur during the neonatal period, often from preventable causes such as birth asphyxia, infection, prematurity, and hypothermia.
To help address this challenge, Rural Health Care Initiative (RHCI) recently hosted a two-day Essential Newborn Care (ENC 1 & 2) training in Tikonko Chiefdom. Twenty-five frontline health workers—including Community Health Officers, midwives, nurses, and Maternal and Child Health Aides—participated in the intensive training designed to strengthen newborn care practices in rural communities.
Led by experienced healthcare professionals from Sierra Leone, the training focused on life-saving skills such as neonatal resuscitation, infection prevention, early breastfeeding support, recognition of newborn danger signs, and quality postnatal follow-up care. Participants practiced hands-on techniques using newborn mannequins and learned how to respond during the critical “Golden Minute” immediately after birth.
The impact was clear. In addition to improved test scores after the program, health workers reported greater confidence in identifying newborn complications, supporting breastfeeding, and providing timely referrals when babies need higher levels of care.
By investing in the skills of frontline healthcare workers, RHCI is helping ensure that more babies survive and thrive during their most vulnerable days of life. As these newly trained providers return to clinics and communities across Tikonko Chiefdom, they carry with them knowledge and practical skills that can make the difference between life and death for newborns and their families.
At RHCI, we believe every child deserves a healthy start to life—and every mother deserves the confidence of knowing skilled care is available when it matters most.
