In a landmark initiative to bolster healthcare services in Sierra Leone, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has inaugurated a state-of-the-art cold chain facility for the Bonthe District Health Management Team and launched the National Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) program.
These developments are part of the government’s broader Quality Essential Health Service and System Support project, designed to improve healthcare delivery across the nation. During the commissioning ceremony, President Bio expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the health sector management team and various donor partners whose collaborative efforts have significantly advanced healthcare in the region.
He emphasised that the new cold chain facility is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing healthcare delivery in Bonthe and will serve as a model for similar projects in other districts throughout Sierra Leone. The President proudly noted the country’s impressive immunisation record, which has garnered international recognition, attributing this success to strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure, such as cold chain facilities, and the unwavering commitment of healthcare workers who ensure timely vaccinations for children.
Highlighting the need for equitable access to healthcare, President Bio stated, “Throughout our lives, we need a well-structured healthcare service that addresses our needs irrespective of region, tribal affiliation, colour, or sex.” He commended the Ministry of Health for operationalising the facility and underscored that the newly launched ambulance services would significantly reduce emergency response times, facilitate timely referrals, and ultimately save countless lives.
Dr Songor Koedoyoma, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of NEMS, provided an overview of the organisation’s commitment to delivering reliable and trustworthy services. He announced the deployment of 14 brand-new, fully equipped ambulances across five districts. These ambulances are not only stocked with essential medical supplies but are also fueled and staffed by trained healthcare professionals to ensure prompt response times and minimise downtime through efficient maintenance.
Dr. Desmond Maada Kangbai, the EPI Program Manager, praised the government’s consistent efforts in immunisation, revealing a remarkable nationwide coverage rate of 95% in recent years. He highlighted the critical role of the cold chain facility in expanding vaccine storage capacity and preventing stockouts, ensuring that vaccines are stored at optimal temperatures for distribution to health facilities across the district.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, lauded President Bio’s visionary leadership in transforming the healthcare landscape of Sierra Leone. He noted that the national immunisation rate has exceeded 90% over the past five years, alongside a significant reduction in maternal mortality rates and a 30% decrease in infant mortality.
Dr. Demby assured attendees that the new facilities would contribute towards achieving the ambitious goal of zero preventable maternal and child deaths nationwide. In addition to the healthcare advancements, President Bio took the opportunity to conduct a working visit to various ongoing projects in the Bonthe District. His tour included construction sites for the Government Training Institute, a new bridge, and boarding facilities for nurses in Mattru, allowing him to assess progress and engage with local communities directly. This comprehensive approach to healthcare and infrastructure development marks a significant step forward in improving the quality of life for residents of Bonthe District and sets a precedent for future initiatives across Sierra Leone.
