By: Mohamed Sahr
In a landmark collaboration aimed at revolutionizing critical care in Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Latter Days Church officially commissioned a fully renovated, state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Connaught Hospital on June 25, 2025.
As the country’s primary referral facility, Connaught now boasts a critical care unit that meets international standards; thanks to a multi-million-dollar investment from the philanthropic arm of the Latter Days Church.
Funded entirely by the Church, this initiative addresses the long-standing need for advanced life-saving capabilities at the overburdened hospital. The upgraded ICU significantly enhances the hospital’s ability to manage severe and complex medical cases.
Prof. Dr. Charles Senesie, Deputy Minister of Health 1 said the generosity and vision of the Latter Days Church have provided Connaught Hospital with an ICU that meets the highest international standards. Stating that these state-of-the-art facilities will save countless lives, reduce the need for medical evacuations abroad, and empower the medical professionals to deliver top-tier care right here in Freetown.
Dr. Senessie emphasized that the new ICU is more than just a collection of machines it is a fully integrated system designed for optimal patient care. “The reliability and sophistication of this equipment mean we can now effectively manage complex trauma, severe infections, post-operative complications, and other critical conditions. The impact on patient outcomes will be profound,” he said.
Representing the Latter Days Church, Elder Isaac Morrison highlighted the Church’s commitment to humanitarian work. “Our faith compels us to act with compassion and support initiatives that alleviate suffering and promote human dignity,” he stated.
He added that partnering with the Ministry of Health to provide this life-saving ICU at Connaught Hospital serves as a direct response to that divine calling. Elder Morrisson mentioned that they are honoured to contribute to the health and well-being of the people of Sierra Leone. “We believe this facility will serve as a beacon of hope and healing for years to come,” he added.
Dr. Ibrahim M. Kapuwa, Care Manager at Connaught Hospital, noted that the hospital which is Sierra Leone’s main tertiary facility has long struggled with limited ICU capacity and outdated equipment. He emphasized that this upgrade marks a vital step in strengthening the national healthcare system, especially in light of past challenges like the Ebola outbreak and the continued need for robust emergency care,” he said.
Dr. Kapuwa also confirmed that, alongside the infrastructure and equipment donation, comprehensive training programs for medical and nursing staff have been completed. These programs ensure that the new technology is effectively used from day one. The partnership also includes ongoing technical support and maintenance to ensure sustainability.
Senior Matron Fatama Jalloh provided an overview of the ICU’s advanced features, which include: Advanced Patient Monitoring Systems, offering real-time, comprehensive data on each patient’s vital signs. Modern Ventilators: Including high-end models capable of supporting patients with severe respiratory failure. These features also include: Renal Replacement Therapy (Dialysis) Machines, Infusion Pumps and Syringe Drivers and Centralized Monitoring Stations: Allowing nurses to oversee all ICU patients simultaneously.
The inauguration of this cutting-edge ICU marks a significant leap forward for Sierra Leone’s healthcare system. It promises improved survival rates, more effective patient management, and a renewed capacity to respond to medical emergencies at the nation’s most critical hospital.
