By: Mohamed Sahr
Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to further reducing maternal and child mortality rates in the country. Speaking at the commissioning of the Maternal and Child Health and Obstetrics Centre (MCOE), Dr. Demby emphasized that while the gains made in maternal and child health are worth celebrating, the Government’s goal remains to reduce the maternal mortality rate from 354 to fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He expressed confidence that the MCOE will play a key role in achieving this ambitious target.
“This hospital is a testament to the fact that every nation once defined by war and fragility, can truly heal, rebuild, and thrive,” Dr. Demby said.
An inspiring aspect of the MCOE’s development is the fact that the facility was “built by women for women.” During the peak of construction, women workers constituted up to 65% of the workforce. These women were trained as laborers, quality assurance managers, and construction supervisors. The role of these women in the project was vital, and their contribution has been described as fundamental to the hospital’s advancement. The organization, Partners In Health (PIH), emphasized that this initiative not only highlighted women’s ability to contribute to critical infrastructure development but also promoted access to quality healthcare services for women in Sierra Leone.
Minister Demby expressed excitement and optimism about the future, calling on health workers to utilize the MCOE to its full potential. He urged them to use the new facility as a platform to heal, teach, innovate, and deliver services with compassion and dignity. “The MCOE will not be a stand-alone institution,” he said. “Its successes will be woven into the broader investment made in healthcare facilities around the country.”
Dr. Demby also highlighted the Government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system by significantly increasing the number of doctors trained in Sierra Leone. He revealed that the number of doctors produced in the country has increased tenfold, and healthcare training facilities have expanded. This includes the establishment of a medical school at Njala University and a midwifery school in Kenema, which aims to train skilled and competent midwives to meet the needs of the country’s healthcare system.
In his address, Dr. Demby expressed deep gratitude to the team at Partners in Health, particularly the late Dr. Paul Farmer, whose work in healthcare, access and equity has left a lasting impact. “You have not only built a hospital. You have built hope and possibilities for the people of this country,” he said. The Minister emphasized the strong collaboration between the Government of Sierra Leone and PIH, noting that their shared vision and commitment to serving the people of Sierra Leone has been instrumental in bringing the MCOE project to fruition.
The commissioning of the MCOE, described as the best health facility Sierra Leone has ever seen, marks a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare system. The next few months will be crucial as staff undergo further intensive training, patient flows are refined, and essential systems from supply chains to data infrastructure are tested and optimized.
During this period, maternal health services will continue to be provided at the Kingham Government Hospital (KGH), but the MCOE is expected to officially open its doors to patients in February 2026.
The opening of the MCOE represents a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s efforts to improve maternal and child health, and to provide modern, compassionate care for women and children. The Government’s commitment, coupled with the work of organizations like Partners In Health, signifies hope for the future of healthcare in Sierra Leone, where every woman and child has access to life-saving medical care.