By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu Bo City

Ministry of Health has launched a week-long health outreach program aimed at addressing critical healthcare challenges in Tihun, Sogbini Chiefdom, Bonthe District on Tuesday 7th January 2025.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with development partners, seeks to bring essential medical services to underserved populations in the district.

The launch event, chaired by the Resident Minister of the Southern Region, Chief John Abu, featured the participation of the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha, and other high-profile dignitaries. The outreach, running from 7th to 13th January 2025, will cover Tihun, Moriba Town, Mattru, and Bonthe Island, offering services such as eye care, immunizations, cervical cancer screening, hypertension and diabetes treatment, child health assessments, family planning, mental health support, and laboratory tests.

A standout feature of the program is the introduction of the “Hospital on Wheels,” a mobile clinic delivering services directly to remote communities. This initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Sightsavers, and Marie Stopes Sierra Leone.

Government Commitment to Rural Healthcare

In his keynote address, Chief John Abu commended the initiative, describing it as a testament to the government’s dedication to equitable healthcare access. “This outreach demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Sierra Leonean, regardless of location, has access to quality healthcare services,” Chief Abu remarked.

Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha emphasized the importance of mobile clinics in bridging healthcare gaps, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. She highlighted the government’s target of achieving universal health coverage by 2030, stating, “This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring no one is left behind in accessing healthcare.”

Key Stakeholders Highlight Impact

The event was attended by several notable figures, including Dr. Turad Senesie, Minister of Lands, who introduced the dignitaries; Dr. Brima Bobson Sesay, District Medical Officer for Bonthe; Haroun Keh Tura, District Officer for Bonthe; and Asiatu Conteh, Chairperson of the Bonthe District Council.

Dr. Brima Bobson Sesay lauded the outreach program as a transformative effort in the district’s healthcare delivery system. “The mobile clinics will bring essential health services directly to the doorsteps of people who have long been underserved due to logistical and financial barriers,” he stated.

Asiatu Conteh stressed the importance of health education as part of the initiative, urging residents to take an active role in safeguarding their health. “This program is not just about treatment but also about empowering communities to embrace healthy practices for long-term benefits,” she said.

Building a Healthier Future

Dr. Sam Baio, Head of the Hospital on Wheels initiative, and Edward Benya, Director of Programs and Operations at Marie Stopes Sierra Leone, also expressed their commitment to improving healthcare in the region. They underscored the importance of strong partnerships in achieving the program’s goals.

The mobile clinic will continue its mission in various parts of Bonthe District throughout the week. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to strengthen healthcare delivery across Sierra Leone, with a particular focus on rural and underserved areas.

With active support from community leaders and development partners, the outreach program is expected to benefit thousands of residents, fostering improved health outcomes and reinforcing the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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