By: Aminata Turay
Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has officially handed over a 56-seater staff bus and a Toyota Land Cruiser to Koidu Government Hospital to improve working conditions and service delivery for healthcare workers in Koidu, on Friday, 17 April 2026.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice President described the hospital as “a place that holds a special place in my heart.” He explained that the intervention followed concerns raised by staff during a previous visit, when he joined them to break their Ramadan fast (Iftar) in March 2026.
He noted that during that visit, health workers highlighted three major challenges affecting their performance: transportation, accommodation, and access to continued education. “This initiative started when I joined staff here to break fast, and they identified three key challenges transportation, accommodation, and continued education,” he said, adding that he had committed to engaging the Ministry of Health on their behalf.
Dr. Jalloh, whose office also oversees the country’s public health sector, stated that the government was able to secure “not just one, but a very large 56-seater bus,” which he presented on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio.
He emphasized the critical role of reliable transportation in enhancing healthcare delivery, particularly during challenging periods. According to him, the provision of the bus will help ensure that staff report to duty consistently and will serve as an added incentive within the welfare package for nurses and other health professionals.
The Vice President also urged hospital authorities to ensure proper maintenance of the vehicles, stressing that they must be kept “in good condition” to guarantee long-term benefits.
He linked the donation to broader progress in the health sector, noting that government interventions have led to measurable improvements. “We have reduced maternal mortality, reduced infant mortality, and increased the number of healthcare workers across the country,” he said, underscoring the importance of continued investment in staff welfare.
Deputy Minister of Health I, Prof. Dr. Charles Senesie, welcomed the support and described it as consistent with the President’s vision to address key challenges in the sector. He highlighted transportation as a critical need, particularly during emergencies, stating that “when crises occur, transport becomes a serious issue,” and called for innovative solutions.
Prof. Senesie added that the ministry looks forward to additional interventions, including the provision of motorbikes, to further strengthen healthcare delivery.
The District Medical Officer, Dr. Mohamed Gbeshay Sheku, also praised the intervention. He recalled that staff had struggled with transportation “for over 15 years,” noting that the new vehicles would significantly improve access to healthcare services.
He described the gesture as a strong demonstration of the government’s commitment to the health sector, adding that healthcare workers remain dedicated to working collaboratively to improve lives and deliver quality care.