By: Saidu Jalloh
The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, has officially launched the Shuman Health Foundation at Shuman Hospital in Kissy, Freetown. The foundation, founded by renowned medical professional Dr. Salim Shuman, is partnering with the Government of Sierra Leone to provide free hepatitis vaccinations to nearly 1,000 patients across the country.
The launch of the Shuman Health Foundation aligns with the Government’s Big Five Game Changers, particularly Game Changer 2: Human Capital Development, which prioritises improved healthcare services as part of the national development agenda.
In her keynote address, Minister Kenyeh Barlay described healthcare as the bedrock of every nation’s development and commended the foundation for its commitment to strengthening healthcare outcomes in Sierra Leone. She highlighted the progress the government has made in the health sector, citing notable improvements in key health indicators. According to the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024–2030, Sierra Leone has seen significant progress, with child mortality and maternal mortality rates decreasing, life expectancy increasing, and health sector performance indicators improving from 6% to 11% over the past five years.
Minister Barlay urged the Shuman Health Foundation to complement these efforts by investing in the capacity-building of local healthcare workers. She emphasised that it is crucial for the foundation to transfer skills to its local staff and empower them to take ownership of their professional development. She reaffirmed that health is the bedrock of every development initiative, and a well-trained workforce is essential to sustaining these gains. The Minister also reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to working with the foundation and other partners to strengthen healthcare service delivery and ensure alignment with national policies.
Dr. Salim Shuman, Chief Executive Officer of the Shuman Health Foundation, expressed his gratitude for the government’s support and shared his motivation for establishing the foundation. He noted that this has been a 20-year journey driven by the desire to give back to society. As medical professionals, they are passionate about improving access to quality healthcare services for all Sierra Leoneans. Dr. Shuman revealed that the foundation has ambitious plans beyond providing free hepatitis vaccinations. These include building local surgical capacity by training surgeons to perform complex operations within Sierra Leone, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.
The National Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO), Ms. Alice Nenneh James, confirmed that the Shuman Health Foundation is duly registered with both SLANGO and the Medical and Dental Association of Sierra Leone. She commended the foundation for its ambitious vision and urged them to align their programs with the country’s national health policies. She assured the foundation that SLANGO identifies with their mission and supports their commitment to making a meaningful difference. She further encouraged them to work closely with the host community and its environs to foster a shared sense of ownership and impact.
The launch event marked a significant step toward expanding healthcare access in Sierra Leone and demonstrated the critical role of public-private partnerships in advancing the nation’s health outcomes. The Shuman Health Foundation is set to focus on key areas, including free healthcare services, starting with hepatitis vaccinations for 1,000 patients. Additionally, they plan to build surgical capacity by training local surgeons to handle complex operations and engage in community outreach and health education services. The foundation also aims to support modern, well-equipped healthcare facilities while collaborating with the government and development partners to drive national health outcomes.
Minister Barlay concluded the event by calling for collective action and sustained partnerships to transform the health sector. She stated that healthcare development is a shared responsibility and emphasised that together, a healthier future for every Sierra Leonean can be created. She added that initiatives like the Shuman Health Foundation demonstrate that when private initiatives align with public goals, real progress is possible.