The Minister of Health and Sanitation has told journalists that one of her priorities is to make sure the Health Ministry achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.

Ms MiattaKargbo, who was speaking to journalists yesterday at the ministry's conference room, Youyi building in Freetown, noted that there are a lot of things the Health Ministry is targeting to do.

"The most important one for now is to make sure we achieve the Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 by 2015. MDGs 4 and 5 are the cornerstone of the government's Agenda for Prosperity. I believe the government will continue in its efforts to make healthcare a priority," said Ms Kargbo.

The minister added that government would like to renew its promise and unwavering commitment to providing quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare service to all Sierra Leoneans, and to reducing child and maternal mortality nationwide. She thanked health partners including UNICEF, WHO, EU and World Bank, among others, for the continued support they have been providing the ministry, noting that their donations have helped in strengthening the ministry's activities.

The free health care, she said, was launched in April 2010 by President Koroma for pregnant women, children under five and lactating mothers as part of the president's effort to achieve the MDGs.

"But that is not enough for the government to ensure that services are provided as desired. We are very happy with all the efforts made by our donor partners. We hope their monies are going to be used in the right way and for the right purpose," said Madam Kargbo.