Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is a West African country known for its high maternal mortality rate, one of the highest in the world. Recent news highlights include female rickshaw drivers in Freetown challenging traditional gender roles, Australia's call for Lebanon to be included in a Middle East ceasefire, and the arrival of a Russian oil tanker in the Philippines. Additionally, Sierra Leone is set to hold legislative and presidential elections on December 6 following last year's coup. The country has also been affected by regional security concerns, with thousands of soldiers deploying as part of a regional standby force to combat cross-border armed groups. A new maternal hospital aims to change this by providing quality healthcare services.