By: Mohamed Sahr
In a major step towards strengthening healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Diego Gonzalez Rivas Foundation, has launched the country’s first-ever high-tech mobile surgery unit, marking a historic milestone in Sierra Leone’s medical history.
The collaboration was officially unveiled at the Ministry of Health on Tuesday, 30th September 2025, and was celebrated as a pivotal achievement in the advancement of the nation’s healthcare system.
Dr. Diego Gonzalez Rivas, the President of the Diego Gonzalez Rivas Foundation, addressed the leadership of the Ministry of Health, stating that the success of this initiative was made possible through the combined efforts of his team and the support of the Government of Sierra Leone. Dr. Gonzalez Rivas highlighted that the mobile surgery unit had already been operational across six locations in Sierra Leone since its arrival.
He noted that this cutting-edge mobile unit is not only the first of its kind in Sierra Leone but also globally, as it is specifically designed for performing minimal invasive surgery. He emphasized the importance of such a mobile unit in a country like Sierra Leone, where many hospitals face resource constraints.
Dr. Gonzalez Rivas also mentioned that the first successful surgeries were carried out in the country, and the mobile unit is equipped with state-of-the-art medical instruments, including high-definition 4K screens, cameras, ICU equipment, ultrasound machines, surgical tools, and even satellite connectivity and solar-powered lighting systems.
“This mobile surgery truck is a masterpiece of technology, containing all the necessary facilities for conducting advanced surgeries,” Dr. Gonzalez Rivas said.
He further shared that the first two patients, both of whom had critical conditions in Kono, regained their health within a single day after surgery.
Dr. Gonzalez Rivas also revealed plans to make Sierra Leone a regional hub for the mobile unit, with ongoing discussions about extending its services to neighbouring countries.
Dr. Sartie Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health, expressed deep gratitude to the Diego Gonzalez Rivas Foundation for its generous support. He described the initiative as a significant opportunity for Sierra Leone to upgrade the skills of its specialized medical workforce.
“We look forward to working closely with your team to explore how we can further develop this program,” said Dr. Kenneh.
Andrew Sorie, Senior Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, discussed the country’s high burden of lung diseases, particularly tuberculosis, and expressed hope that the presence of the mobile unit would improve the treatment and management of such conditions.
“We appreciate the Diego Gonzalez Rivas Foundation for considering Sierra Leone as a key operation site for this project,” Sorie said, adding that the Ministry is eager to continue strengthening the healthcare system with the foundation’s support.
Dr. Mustapha Kabba, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Clinical, provided further insight into the functionality of the mobile surgery unit. He explained that the unit is equipped with a fully operational surgical theatre capable of performing complex surgeries, including thoracic (chest) surgeries, using minimal invasive techniques.
“The key advantage of minimal invasive procedures is the faster recovery time, reduced pain, and fewer complications compared to traditional surgical methods,” Dr. Kabba said. He shared that similar procedures performed in Kono had seen quick recovery in patients.
The mobile unit is also designed to treat patients with serious conditions, such as tuberculosis, lung cancer and fluid buildup (pneumothorax).
Dr. Kabba confirmed that the Government of Sierra Leone is in ongoing negotiations with the Diego Gonzalez Rivas Foundation to make Sierra Leone the central hub for the mobile surgery unit, which could serve as a base for other countries in the region.
The Mobile Surgery Truck, which boasts cutting-edge medical technology, aims to provide essential surgical services to underserved communities, particularly those affected by lung diseases like tuberculosis and pneumonia. The mobile unit will bring life-saving surgical interventions to remote areas with limited access to healthcare facilities, offering critical treatments to those most in need.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Diego Gonzalez Rivas Foundation represents a significant leap forward in Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, reinforcing the country’s commitment to improving medical care and expanding access to specialized treatment for all citizens.
Inside view of the mobile unit