By: Mamajah Jalloh
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation and Partners in Health (PIH) Sierra Leone have reviewed key infrastructure development priorities, operational challenges and strategies to improve healthcare delivery at Koidu Government Hospital.
The discussions were held on Tuesday, 3rd November 2026, at the office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Mustapha Sundifu Kabba, who led the Ministry’s delegation in a meeting with PIH Sierra Leone’s leadership, headed by its Executive Director, Madam Vickey Reed.
Also in attendance were the Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services, Mr. Ibrahim Foday-Musa; PIH Director of Policy and Partnership, Mr. Yembeh Marrah; and the Hospital Administrator.
A major focus of the meeting was the ongoing hospital development project, particularly plans to demolish five existing structures: the water tower, mosque, Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) facility, oxygen plant and store. The demolition is intended to pave the way for further technical assessments, including topographical and geotechnical surveys, ahead of the proposed construction works.
Participants stressed the importance of relocating and reconstructing the EPI facility within the District Health Management Team (DHMT) complex to ensure that immunization services continue without interruption. They also emphasised the need to guarantee the safe handling and storage of vaccines, cold-chain equipment and other essential supplies during the transition.
PIH also explored possible temporary arrangements for EPI services, including the use of the former paediatric facility following the department’s relocation to the refurbished maternity building.
The broader hospital development plan was also reviewed, with proposed improvements including the construction of a new paediatric complex, upgraded wastewater and potable water systems, and improved internal road infrastructure.
Beyond infrastructure, the discussions addressed persistent operational challenges, particularly staff shortages, attendance, accountability and the need to strengthen hospital management systems. Possible staff secondment arrangements were explored as part of efforts to address human resource gaps and improve institutional capacity.
Dr. Kabba emphasised that investments in healthcare infrastructure must be matched with adequate staffing, effective supervision and sound management systems to deliver meaningful improvements in patient care.
Maternal and neonatal mortality, particularly preventable deaths, also featured prominently. Hospital management outlined ongoing interventions aimed at reducing mortality, including improved emergency response, strengthened clinical supervision, regular mortality reviews and greater accountability among healthcare professionals.
The deployment of a medical officer at the paediatric emergency entrance was highlighted as one of the interventions that reportedly contributed to a two-week period without recorded paediatric deaths.
The meeting also welcomed Daniel, a newly appointed member of the PIH team, who will support the operationalization of the Dorma Training Centre through curriculum development, training programmes and simulation-based learning activities.
In his remarks, Dr. Kabba underscored the importance of effective coordination, accountability, prudent financial management and sustained collaboration between the Ministry of Health and its development partners. He stressed that hospital development must translate into measurable improvements in healthcare quality, patient safety and overall health outcomes.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to sustain engagement on outstanding infrastructure and staffing concerns, with further discussions expected within the next two weeks to review possible support arrangements and agree on the way forward.