By: Mamajah Jalloh
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Diego González Rivas Foundation, has commenced a four-day humanitarian surgical mission at Connaught Hospital in Freetown, offering free advanced thoracic surgeries to eligible patients.
The mission, which runs from September 1 to 4, 2026, is being conducted at the Radiology Hall of Connaught Hospital and seeks to provide specialized chest surgery to patients who may otherwise be unable to afford such treatment.
The initiative introduces Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), a modern minimally invasive technique that enables surgeons to operate on the lungs and chest cavity through small incisions using a video camera.
Unlike conventional open-chest surgery, VATS generally causes less tissue damage and can result in reduced pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mustapha Kabba expressed appreciation to the Diego González Rivas Foundation for providing technical expertise, specialized equipment and training support to the Connaught Hospital surgical team.
Dr. Kabba also thanked President Julius Maada Bio for appointing him Chief Medical Officer, noting that his professional journey in public health began at Connaught Hospital.
“My service to the nation started at Connaught Hospital, and my first action as Chief Medical Officer is also starting here at Connaught Hospital,” he stated.
He described the mission as a significant opportunity to expand access to specialized healthcare while strengthening the capacity of Sierra Leonean medical professionals.
Dr. Kabba commended the international surgical team, local doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers for their collaboration in making the initiative possible.
He emphasized that the partnership extends beyond performing surgeries, stressing the importance of transferring knowledge and skills to local health professionals.
According to Dr. Kabba, the Foundation has deployed a specially equipped mobile hospital valued at approximately US$2 million and dedicated to thoracoscopic surgery.
He further disclosed that Sierra Leone will serve as the headquarters and operational base for the mobile surgical unit, which could also be deployed periodically to neighbouring countries, including Liberia and Guinea, depending on demand.
“This is not only about performing surgeries,” Dr. Kabba stressed.
He explained that local surgeons will work alongside international specialists and receive hands-on training in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery, helping to build sustainable capacity in advanced thoracic procedures.
The mission is being led by renowned thoracic surgeon Dr. Diego González Rivas, who expressed his enthusiasm about working in Sierra Leone and praised the resilience and welcoming nature of the country’s people.
Dr. González Rivas also thanked the Government of Sierra Leone and the Chief Medical Officer for their support, hospitality and cooperation during the team’s stay.
Senior Matron at Connaught Hospital, Fatmata Kanja Jalloh, thanked the Foundation for its contribution to strengthening specialized surgical services in Sierra Leone. She also congratulated Dr. Kabba on his appointment and commended his leadership and commitment to the health sector.
The Ministry of Health described the partnership as part of broader efforts to improve access to quality specialized healthcare, reduce the need for patients to seek treatment abroad and build a stronger and more self-reliant health system.
The four-day humanitarian mission is therefore expected not only to provide immediate surgical care to eligible patients but also to strengthen local expertise and expand Sierra Leone’s capacity to deliver advanced thoracic surgery.