AYV News, October 12, 2026
The Government of Sierra Leone has deployed 105 ambulances nationwide to strengthen emergency referrals and improve access to life-saving healthcare, particularly for pregnant women, children and other patients requiring urgent medical attention.
The announcement was highlighted on Tuesday at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown during a special town hall marking 300 Days of Activism for the Triple Zero campaign, which seeks to tackle preventable maternal and child deaths.
Dr Francis Moses, Director of Reproductive and Child Health, stressed the importance of an effective referral network, noting that ambulances are essential to ensuring patients can access higher-level medical facilities when complications arise.
Deputy Minister of Health II, Dr Jalikatu Mustapha, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining emergency referral services around the clock, declaring: “No day off, no night off no rain season off.” The commitment is particularly important for communities facing poor roads, difficult terrain and long distances to health facilities.
The town hall also highlighted the role of Paramount Chiefs, local councils, community health workers and families in strengthening the emergency response system. Community leaders are being encouraged to promote early antenatal care, immunisation, timely treatment and rapid referrals when medical emergencies occur.
Under the Triple Zero campaign, health authorities are seeking to ensure that communities recognise danger signs early, know how to activate emergency referrals and work with healthcare providers to prevent avoidable deaths. Officials say the success of the initiative depends not only on the availability of ambulances but also on communities acting quickly when lives are at risk.
