The rehabilitated Maternity and Fistula Wards at Makeni Regional Hospital were officially handed over on Tuesday, May 13, 2026, as part of a major investment in maternal and reproductive health services in Bombali District. The rehabilitation, funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Embassy of Iceland, improves the infrastructure and patient-care capacity of a hospital serving more than 500,000 people in the region.
Health officials, hospital management, development partners, and other stakeholders were present for the handover, which organisers said is expected to significantly improve access to quality maternal healthcare for women, including those with obstetric fistula, in Bombali District and surrounding communities. The project also supports Sierra Leone’s national efforts to reduce maternal mortality and improve reproductive health outcomes.
Dr Joseph Kamanda Sesay, Medical Superintendent of Makeni Regional Hospital, thanked the Government of Iceland and UNFPA for their ongoing support and emphasised the practical impact of the rehabilitated wards on patient care during the ceremony. He stated that the hospital recorded 4,319 maternity deliveries in 2025 and currently serves a catchment population of over 527,000 people in Bombali District and surrounding communities. According to Dr Sesay, the upgraded facilities will improve the dignity and treatment outcomes of women and fistula patients, as well as assist healthcare workers in providing higher-quality care.
The Bombali District Medical Officer praised the collaborative effort behind the rehabilitation and emphasised the hospital’s significant service load. He pointed out that Makeni Regional Hospital has the second-highest number of maternity and Caesarean section deliveries in Sierra Leone, trailing only Princess Christian Maternity Hospital. He emphasised the importance of properly maintaining the newly renovated spaces to ensure long-term improvements in maternal and newborn care.
UNFPA and the Embassy of Iceland reaffirmed their commitments to maternal and reproductive health throughout the country. The UNFPA Representative praised the dedication of healthcare workers at Makeni Regional Hospital and stated that UNFPA is currently funding interventions in over fifteen health facilities across the country to reduce fistula cases and strengthen health systems. The Head of Mission for the Embassy of Iceland emphasised that gender equality is a top development priority for Iceland, and that the rehabilitation was specifically designed to improve the lives of women suffering from obstetric fistula and other maternity-related complications while restoring dignity and expanding access to quality services.
The rehabilitation, according to the Director of Reproductive Health and Family Planning, is a major step forward in national efforts to improve reproductive healthcare. She thanked all partners and stakeholders for their contributions and encouraged further collaboration to sustain and expand services. The Matron of Makeni Regional Hospital thanked Iceland, UNFPA, and other stakeholders for their assistance and used the platform to request additional resources.
The matron reported that the maternity unit operates at around 200% bed occupancy with only 36 beds, while managing approximately 400 deliveries per month. She requested assistance in transforming an old hospital building into a dedicated maternity hospital, as well as more consumables and medical supplies to meet demand and improve patient care.
The handover ceremony concluded with hospital management, healthcare workers, and stakeholders thanking the Government of Iceland and UNFPA for their collaboration and ongoing investment in maternal and reproductive health in Bombali District and across Sierra Leone. According to officials, the rehabilitated wards will contribute to improved clinical outcomes, greater patient dignity, and a stronger platform for delivering ongoing maternal health interventions and initiatives.
Gleaner Communications Sierra Leone
