By: Ronald Cole
On April 25, 2026, the Executive Director of Life Line Nehemiah Project Sierra Leone, Mr. Prince Tommy Williams, led a team to Tombo community to conduct a research survey on the impact of high blood pressure on pregnant women.
Life Line Nehemiah Project, which has been operating since 1996, recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. The organization currently operates in eight districts across Sierra Leone, including Western Urban, Western Rural, Bonthe, Bo, Port Loko, Kono, Kenema, and Moyamba.
The initiative aligns with the Government of Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation’s 300-day campaign aimed at improving maternal healthcare and reducing deaths before, during, and after childbirth. With its team of trained and qualified staff, Life Line Nehemiah Project has joined efforts to support pregnant women and girls across its areas of operation.
Although the organization is actively supporting the national campaign, the primary purpose of the Tombo visit was to conduct a research survey focused on high blood pressure among pregnant women—a condition that often leads to serious complications, including preeclampsia.
The project is being carried out in partnership with King’s College London, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, and the Government of Sierra Leone to better understand and address the causes and effects of high blood pressure in pregnancy.
Life Line Nehemiah Project has been supporting pregnant women and teenage girls by providing medical guidance, monitoring their health conditions, and helping them avoid complications such as hypertension during pregnancy. For those already affected, the organization offers support to ensure proper treatment.
In addition, the organization works with teenage pregnant girls by helping them reunite with their families and supporting them to return to school or learn vocational skills. Trained mentors are stationed across the project’s operational sites to provide continuous guidance, counseling, and healthcare support.
During the research survey in Tombo, the team engaged local stakeholders, including community leaders, traders, youth representatives, and beneficiaries. Participants were given structured questionnaires to complete, and groups were divided to conduct face-to-face interviews across different parts of the community, including the beachfront and hillside areas.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the organization’s work. One participant, Fatmata Kamara, commended Life Line Nehemiah Project for its long-standing support to the community. Another pregnant woman, Zinabu Bendu, appealed for easier access to pregnancy medication, suggesting that such drugs should be readily available in local pharmacies.
A community stakeholder, Mr. Masudi Koroma, also raised concerns about the increasing cases of paralysis in the area and called for medical intervention.
As part of the visit, Mr. Williams engaged local pharmacy operators, encouraging them to register their businesses to enable access to essential pregnancy medications.
At the end of the exercise, participants were appreciated for their involvement, and the team assured the community of continued engagement and follow-up visits.
Mr. Williams reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to improving maternal health and addressing critical challenges affecting pregnant women across Sierra Leone.