AYV News, March 3, 2026
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Austin Demby, has called on nurses and midwives across the country to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, declaring that “patients are our bosses and we must treat them with dignity, respect and professionalism at all times.”
Dr. Demby made the statement at the close of a three-day Management Training for Senior Nurses and Midwives held in Bo from 19 to 21 February 2026. The training forms part of the Ministry of Health’s broader effort to strengthen leadership capacity, improve accountability and enhance the quality of healthcare delivery nationwide.
Strengthening Leadership in the Health Sector
The minister described nurses and midwives as the backbone of Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, noting that their leadership, discipline and compassion directly influence patient outcomes.
He emphasized the need for continued investment in the welfare and professional growth of nurses and midwives, stressing that improved working conditions and management skills are essential to building a resilient health sector.
Zero Tolerance for Unethical Conduct
While commending participants for their dedication, Dr. Demby delivered a firm warning against absenteeism and unethical practices within health facilities. He underscored a zero-tolerance stance on reported cases of nurses allegedly extorting money from patients, describing such actions as unacceptable and damaging to public trust.
He urged health workers to strictly adhere to professional and ethical standards at all times.
Aligning with National Priorities
The Minister also called on nurses and midwives to fully align with President Julius Maada Bio’s recently declared “300 Day Activism for Mothers and Children,” a national push aimed at strengthening maternal and child health services.
According to Dr. Demby, achieving meaningful improvements in maternal and child health requires discipline, commitment and a patient-centered approach across all levels of care.
The Bo training marks another step in the Ministry’s reform agenda as it seeks to rebuild confidence in public healthcare services and reinforce a culture of accountability and excellence throughout the sector.
