The Government of Sierra Leone is signatory to the Abuja Declaration that commits to 15% of the nation’s entire budget be spent on health1. In 2012, the government of Sierra Leone committed to increasing the health budget to 10.5% in 2013, this is an estimated Le 195 billion (excluding salaries)2. Yet, a GAP of an estimated Le 84 billion (excluding salaries) still exists because government has not yet met is Abuja Commitment to 15% towards health spending in Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone is increasingly gaining international recognition as an emerging economy on the global stage. In 2012, Sierra Leone was ranked 6th fastest reformer in the world by World Bank’s Doing Business Report, placing Sierra Leone as potentially one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. In this year alone (2013), H.E Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma was awarded ‘Icon of Democracy’ by Voice Magazine Achievers in Holland for pioneering good governance in Sierra Leone. Additionally, the World Bank and the multi-donor trust demonstrated further confidence in the Government of Sierra Leone by providing eighteen million dollars (USD) worth of support to Sierra Leone’s Free Health Care Initiative (FHCI). The increasing recognition of Sierra Leone and its government in the international scene as pioneers of good governance and health care initiatives means that it is possible for Sierra Leone to close the small gap that remains in achieving its 15% commitment to spending on health. Keeping the promise will be further testament to the government’s dedication to the well being of mothers and babies. The latest 2013 score cards show Sierra Leone's current expenditure and investmemt in health. If government seeks to keep its promise to the wellbeing of mothers and babies in Sierra Leone it can do so by: 1. Government accelerating road map for Sierra Leone to achieve its 15% Abuja Target commitment2. Government significantly increasing its per capita (per person) spending from less than $10 (43,000SLL) towards WHO’s recommended $54(230,000SLL) – ensuring basic health services for every Sierra Leonean3. Government’s commitment to timely disbursement of funds into health services – this will allow for timely health interventions to save lives of mothers and babies. 4. Government’s specified budget line in health budget for well being for mothers and babies.