• B Leigh, H B Kandeh, M S Kanu, M Kuteh, I S Palmer, K S Daoh, and F Moseray.
• Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, Government Hospital-Makeni, Sierra Leone.
• Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 1997 Nov 1;59 Suppl 2:S55-65.

Preliminary StudiesA facility review and focus group discussions revealed poor capacity to manage obstetric complications.InterventionsIn response, a physician with obstetric skills was posted, and a second physician was trained. Courses in life-saving obstetric skills were held for nurses and midwives. An unused operating theater was made functional with simple modifications. A generator and blood bank were installed. Drugs and supplies were made available through a revolving fund. Subsequently, community interventions focused on improving utilization.ResultsThe number of women seeking treatment for major obstetric complications at the district hospital increased from 31 in 1990 to 98 in 1995, while the case fatality rate (CFR) among these women dropped from 32% to 5%. Cesarean sections increased from two in 1990 to 38 in 1995. In 1995, 444 abortion-related procedures were performed--almost all of them for unwanted pregnancy--compared with only 22 in 1990.CostsThe cost of material improvements and training was approximately US$39,000, of which 46% was from project funds, 41% from non-governmental organizations and 13% from government.ConclusionsWomen with obstetric complications will seek hospital care if services are available. Government hospital services can be improved by building on existing resources. Obstetric CFR can be dramatically reduced. The need for safe abortion services, which are currently illegal in Sierra Leone, is demonstrated.

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