Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services, MoH, Ground floor, Youyi building, Brookfields, Freetown (2026)

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Ground Floor, Youyi Building, Brookfields

08/06/2026

PCMH and CUAMM Present 2025 Annual Maternal Care Report

New Brookfields Hotel, Freetown| 8th June 2026

The Hospital Management Team of Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH), in partnership with CUAMM, today presented the 2025 Annual Maternal Care Report at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, development partners, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and other key stakeholders to review progress made in maternal and newborn healthcare delivery and discuss strategies for further improvement.

The report highlighted major achievements, ongoing quality improvement initiatives, maternal and neonatal health outcomes, service utilization trends, and challenges encountered in delivering maternal and newborn healthcare services during 2025. Discussions focused on strengthening healthcare systems, improving access to quality care, and reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths across the country.

Representing the Honorable Minister of Health, the Deputy Minister of Health I , Prof. Charles Senesie reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to quality healthcare services, and investing in the development of the country’s health workforce.

Addressing participants, the Deputy Minister stated:
“As I speak today, we have teams on the ground supporting us to assess our healthcare facilities and determine the resources and healthcare personnel available. This assessment will guide our efforts to address existing gaps and strengthen service delivery across the country.”

He noted that the Ministry is taking deliberate measures to improve healthcare infrastructure nationwide, including water supply systems, waste management facilities, operating theatres, diagnostic services, and other essential requirements needed to deliver quality healthcare.

“We are very deliberate in what we are doing to ensure that healthcare facilities have the necessary infrastructure and equipment to provide quality services to our people. The infrastructural challenges highlighted are issues we are already working to address through strategic investments and partnerships,” he said.

The Deputy Minister further assured healthcare workers and hospital management of the Ministry’s commitment to addressing existing challenges affecting service delivery.

“We are exploring ways to expand available space, improve transportation systems for healthcare workers, and provide sustainable solar energy solutions so that power outages become a thing of the past in our healthcare facilities.”

While acknowledging existing challenges within the health sector, the Deputy Minister commended healthcare workers for their dedication and resilience and assured them of the Ministry’s continued support.

“There are challenges, but we are committed to working together to address them. Through collaboration, innovation, and sustained investment, we will continue to improve healthcare services and achieve better health outcomes for all Sierra Leoneans.”

The presentation of the 2025 Annual Maternal Care Report reaffirmed the commitment of PCMH, CUAMM, the Ministry of Health, and partners to improving maternal and newborn healthcare services, strengthening health systems, and advancing efforts to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths in Sierra Leone.

© Media and Communications Unit, DHAS

05/06/2026

After three consecutive years of successful field services, providing free life-transforming surgical procedures for underserved communities, the biggest hospital ship, the Global Mercy, bids farewell as it prepares to leave the shores of Sierra Leone towards the end of this month. Here is a highlight of key moments in the farewell ceremony, onboard the Ship, attended by Julius Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

02/06/2026

Ministry of Health Joins Stakeholders to Commission Rehabilitated Maternity Ward at Moyamba Government Hospital

The Ministry of Health, represented by the Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services, Mr. Ibrahim Foday-Musa, joined stakeholders yesterday in Moyamba to officially commission the newly rehabilitated Maternity Ward at the Moyamba Government Hospital. The ceremony brought together representatives from the District Health Management Team (DHMT), Members of Parliament, the Moyamba District Council, Paramount Chiefs, community leaders, healthcare workers, civil society organizations, and development partners.

Welcoming guests to the event, the Hospital Secretary, Mr. Kai Korpoi, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health, the Moyamba District Council, partners, and community members for their unwavering support towards improving healthcare services in the district. He noted that the successful completion of the maternity ward reflects the collective commitment of stakeholders to improving maternal and newborn healthcare. Providing a brief history of the project, the Acting Medical Superintendent, Dr. Sidikie Mansaray, described the commissioning as a significant milestone in the hospital’s journey toward improving maternal healthcare services. He explained that the maternity ward had previously operated under challenging conditions due to inadequate space and an incomplete rehabilitation project that was halted because of poor construction work and limited funding.

Dr. Mansaray disclosed that support from a Sierra Leonean philanthropist based in the United States, together with contributions from other Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora, community members, and development partners, helped revive and complete the project. He specifically acknowledged the contributions of Allen Kella International through the Saving Lives Project, the wider Moyamba community, and Sierra Leoneans living abroad for their generosity and commitment.

He further highlighted notable achievements recorded by the hospital over the past year, including improved service delivery, increased community confidence in utilizing hospital services, the availability of doctors to attend to patients, and growing referrals from Peripheral Health Units (PHUs). Despite these successes, he outlined key challenges facing the hospital, including shortages of medical supplies, diagnostic equipment, ambulance services, and the need to enroll volunteers into the national payroll system.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Ministry of Health leadership, the Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services, Mr. Ibrahim Foday-Musa, commended the Acting Medical Superintendent and the hospital management team for the remarkable transformation taking place at the facility. He recalled the challenges that existed when Dr. Mansaray was first posted to Moyamba Government Hospital and explained that the Ministry deliberately entrusted him with the responsibility of leading reforms at the facility through a performance-based management approach.

Mr. Foday-Musa noted that the progress achieved at the hospital was not accidental but the result of commitment, teamwork, accountability, and leadership. He praised the strong collaboration between the hospital management and the District Health Management Team, describing it as a model worthy of replication across the country.

Addressing some of the challenges highlighted by the hospital leadership, he assured stakeholders that the Ministry is actively pursuing innovative approaches to sustain the supply of Free Healthcare medicines amid declining donor support. He further disclosed that the Ministry is investing in solar energy systems to improve electricity supply at health facilities nationwide, while procurement processes are underway for staff buses and official vehicles for district hospitals to ease transportation challenges.

On ambulance services, he explained that the National Emergency Medical Service (NEMS) has been mandated to manage ambulance operations across the country to ensure sustainability, efficiency, and timely emergency response. He also assured the hospital management that plans are underway to renovate and expand the hospital mortuary to accommodate modern mortuary equipment already procured by the Ministry.

The Director reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting hospitals with essential medical equipment, including maternal health equipment and diagnostic tools, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare service delivery across the country. Statements of support were also delivered by representatives from the District Health Management Team, Members of Parliament, the Parliamentary Health Committee, civil society organizations, and the Moyamba District Council, all of whom commended the hospital management and pledged continued support towards improving healthcare services in the district.

The ceremony concluded with a guided tour of the newly rehabilitated maternity ward led by the Acting Medical Superintendent, Dr. Sidikie Mansaray. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was subsequently performed, marking the formal opening of the ward and a significant step forward in improving maternal and newborn healthcare services for the people of Moyamba District. The commissioning of the facility demonstrates the impact of collaboration between government, communities, development partners, and the Sierra Leonean diaspora in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality healthcare services across the country.

© Media & Communications, DHAS

31/05/2026

Public Hospitals Nationwide Successfully Conduct Monthly General Cleaning Exercise

Public hospitals across Sierra Leone have successfully conducted the monthly nationwide cleaning exercise as part of the Ministry of Health's commitment to the 300 Days of Activism under the Zero-Zero-Zero Strategy, which promotes zero infections, zero preventable deaths, and zero tolerance for poor sanitation in healthcare facilities.

The exercise was supervised and mentored by the National Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Team of the Ministry of Health, led by the IPC Program Manager, madam Nanah Fofanah. The initiative brought together Hospital Management Teams, healthcare workers, support staff, and other stakeholders in a coordinated effort to improve cleanliness, patient safety, and infection prevention across public health facilities.

The comprehensive cleaning exercise covered hospital wards, patient beds, windows, doors, pediatric units, emergency units, bedside cupboards, ceilings, floors, drainage systems, and the surrounding hospital environment. The initiative aims to strengthen infection prevention and control measures while creating a safer, cleaner, and more patient-centered healthcare environment.

Speaking during the supervision visits, the National IPC Team commended hospital management and staff for their active participation and dedication to maintaining high standards of hygiene and sanitation. The team emphasized that regular cleaning and adherence to IPC protocols are critical to preventing healthcare-associated infections and improving the quality of care delivered to patients.

The successful implementation of the monthly cleaning exercise demonstrates the Ministry of Health's continued commitment to strengthening healthcare services, promoting patient safety, and fostering a culture of cleanliness and accountability in health facilities across Sierra Leone.

© Media & Communications, DHAS

30/05/2026

WACS Sierra Leone Chapter Holds 2nd Annual Conference and Scientific Meeting on Strengthening Surgical Care

The West African College of Surgeons (WACS), Sierra Leone Chapter, on Saturday, 30th May 2026, successfully held its 2nd Annual Conference and Scientific Meeting at the Freetown City Council Auditorium under the theme: “Developing a National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP)”. The conference, which featured the sub-themes “The Role of Female Surgeons in the 300 Days of Activism for Women” and “Artificial Intelligence: What is Acceptable in Academia and its Applications in Surgical Practice,” brought together leading healthcare professionals, policymakers, academics, development partners, surgeons, registrars, medical officers, and students. The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Health I, Prof. Dr. Charles Senesie, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer–Clinical Services, Dr. med Mustapha S. Kabba, professors, consultants, specialist surgeons, representatives of academic institutions, and health partners committed to advancing surgical care in Sierra Leone.

Delivering the welcome address, the Chairman of WACS Sierra Leone Chapter, Prof. Dr. Thaim B. Kamara, highlighted significant milestones achieved in postgraduate medical education and specialist training in Sierra Leone. He celebrated the successful introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) examinations in Anaesthesiology in 2025 and General Surgery in 2026, which resulted in the graduation of six new fellows and members in specialties including anaesthesiology, ophthalmology, and general surgery, alongside two new diplomates in anaesthesiology. Prof. Kamara particularly recognized the achievements of female candidates who excelled in the examinations, describing their success as evidence of the increasing contribution of women to the medical profession. He commended the Ministry of Health, trainers, consultants, teaching hospitals, postgraduate institutions, and development partners including Mercy Ships, CapaCare, King’s Global Health Partnerships, People’s Pharmacy, and ECOMED for their continued support towards strengthening specialist medical education and healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone.

Goodwill messages were delivered from sister colleges and development partners, including the West African College of Physicians (Sierra Leone Chapter), the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists, and the Sierra Leone Postgraduate College of Nursing and Midwifery. Partners such as Mercy Ships, CapaCare, and King’s Global Health Partnerships also expressed continued commitment to strengthening collaboration in surgical education, training, and healthcare service delivery. The messages highlighted shared challenges such as workforce gaps, infrastructure limitations, and access barriers, while reaffirming the importance of joint action to improve surgical, obstetric, and anaesthesia care across the country.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer–Clinical Services, Dr. med Mustapha S. Kabba, emphasized the remarkable transformation taking place within Sierra Leone’s healthcare system and the critical role surgical services play in improving health outcomes and national development. He noted that access to quality surgical care remains a challenge but highlighted ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Health and its partners to address these gaps through the implementation of the National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP). Dr. Kabba explained that the plan, which was launched in 2025 after being developed largely through local expertise and government funding, has gained international recognition and continues to guide investments in diagnostic services, specialist training, trauma care, mobile surgical outreach programmes, and advanced medical technologies. He further acknowledged the contributions of international partners, particularly Mercy Ships and CapaCare, in supporting surgical training, capacity building, and service delivery across the country.

Declaring the conference officially open, Deputy Minister of Health I, Prof. Dr. Charles Senesie, conveyed greetings from His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio and the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby. He highlighted the significant progress made by the Ministry in strengthening health security, referral systems, primary healthcare services, pandemic preparedness, infrastructure, human resources, diagnostics, and the supply chain for medicines and medical commodities. Scientific sessions during the conference featured presentations on Anaesthesiology, Oral Health, General Surgery, Ophthalmology, Endoscopic Surgery, and Artificial Intelligence in Surgical Practice. Plenary discussions focused on the implementation of the NSOAP 2026–2030 and the role of healthcare professionals in advancing safe, accessible, and high-quality surgical care. Participants engaged in vibrant discussions, sharing ideas, recommendations, and practical solutions aimed at strengthening surgical, obstetric, and anaesthesia services across Sierra Leone. The conference concluded with a renewed commitment among stakeholders to collaborate in improving surgical care and achieving universal health coverage for all Sierra Leoneans.

©️Media & Communications, DHAS

29/05/2026

MOH Leadership Engages Emergency Hospital Staff on Welfare, Professionalism and Service Delivery

On Thursday, 28th May 2026, the leadership of the Ministry of Health (MoH) engaged staff of Emergency Hospital at Goderich during an interactive meeting held at the hospital’s conference hall. The engagement was led by the Deputy Chief Medical Officer-Clinical Services, Dr. med Mustapha S. Kabba; the Deputy Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Matron Haja; the Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services, Director Ibrahim Foday-Musa; and the National Coordinator for NEMS, alongside senior official from the Ministry. The meeting was organized to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and Emergency Hospital management, discuss implementation of the technical agreement guiding staff operations, and provide a platform for staff to openly discuss welfare and operational concerns affecting healthcare delivery at the facility.

Welcoming the Ministry leadership, the Hospital Manager of Emergency Hospital highlighted the long-standing partnership between the Ministry of Health and Emergency Hospital, noting that both institutions have worked together for over 25 years in delivering quality healthcare services to Sierra Leoneans. She stated that discussions surrounding the implementation of the technical agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry and Emergency Hospital have been ongoing and emphasized the need for staff to understand both the hospital’s regulations and their obligations as Ministry employees. The Deputy Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Matron Haja, encouraged staff to be open and realistic during the engagement, stressing the importance of aligning with the goals and aspirations of the institution while maintaining professionalism and commitment to patient care. She further thanked staff for their dedication and assured them that the Ministry was present to better understand the challenges affecting their productivity, welfare, and mental wellbeing.

Speaking during the engagement, the Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services, Director Ibrahim Foday-Musa, explained that the Ministry had reviewed and amended clauses within the initial MOU after identifying several gaps and inconsistencies affecting staff posted to Emergency Hospital. He stated that the Ministry worked collaboratively with Emergency Hospital management to align the agreement with existing civil service regulations and ensure fairness for all staff. Director Foday-Musa encouraged staff representatives to openly present their concerns so that practical and lawful solutions could be identified. Delivering his keynote address, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer-Clinical Services, Dr. med Mustapha S. Kabba, thanked Emergency Hospital and the Italian Government for their continued support to Sierra Leone’s healthcare system. He emphasized the critical role healthcare workers play in saving lives and maintaining public trust in the health sector, while stressing the importance of discipline, punctuality, professionalism, teamwork, and ethical conduct. Dr. Kabba acknowledged the challenges healthcare workers face but commended staff for their sacrifices and dedication to quality healthcare delivery despite difficult circumstances. He also reassured staff that the Ministry remains committed to improving their welfare, training opportunities, working conditions, and professional growth.

During the open discussion session, several staff members raised concerns relating to training opportunities, staff welfare, workload, and professional recognition. Seray Sheriff, a Public Health Superintendent who has served at Emergency Hospital for over eleven years, thanked the Ministry leadership for the engagement and noted that staff at Emergency Hospital are often excluded from Ministry trainings and opportunities despite their years of service. Anonette N. Turay, Head of ICU at the hospital, expressed concerns over the lack of recognition for trainers at the facility and stated that staff at Emergency often feel neglected despite their contribution to training nurses from other health facilities. Memunatu A. Kamara, Shift Leader at the AB Ward, appealed to leadership to review bereavement policies affecting staff welfare, while Esther Kamara, a nurse anesthetist, highlighted shortages of anesthesia staff within the hospital. Lamin Kamara, a scrub nurse, also called for more training opportunities for specialized nurses working at the facility. Responding to the concerns raised, the Deputy Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer assured staff that their concerns had been noted and would be discussed further with Emergency Hospital management. The Hospital Manager also clarified that existing regulations on absenteeism and bereavement were part of agreements signed by staff upon posting to the hospital, while acknowledging the need for possible reviews. In his response, Dr. Kabba reassured staff that the Ministry values their contributions and would continue working to ensure they are treated fairly and fully integrated within the Ministry system. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from the Hospital Matron, who appreciated the Ministry leadership for the engagement and emphasized the importance of reviewing aspects of the MOU relating to absenteeism, bereavement, and lateness while encouraging staff to remain committed to their duties.

©️Media & Communications Unit, DHAS

25/05/2026

MOH & NPHA Hold High-Level Stakeholders Engagement on Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease Preparedness

On Monday, 25th May 2026, the Ministry of Health (MoH), through the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), convened a high-level stakeholders engagement at the EOC-2 Conference Hall, Wilkinson Road, Freetown, to provide critical updates on the ongoing Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, and to assess Sierra Leone’s preparedness and readiness to respond to any potential imported cases or local transmission. The strategic engagement brought together pillar leads, directors, programme managers, surveillance and epidemiology experts, public health stakeholders, technical and donor partners to review preparedness efforts and identify key response priorities and gaps within the national public health system.

Presenting updates on the ongoing outbreak and Sierra Leone’s preparedness activities, the Director of Surveillance and Epidemiology at NPHA, Dr. James Squire, disclosed that as of 22nd May 2026, the DRC had recorded 746 suspected cases, 83 confirmed cases, 176 suspected deaths, and 9 confirmed deaths, while Uganda had documented five confirmed cases and one death in Kampala. He further warned that projections indicate the outbreak in DRC could rise to approximately 3,600 suspected cases within 100 days if critical response gaps are not urgently addressed. Dr. Squire also revealed that Sierra Leone’s national readiness level currently stands at 51 percent, below the WHO benchmark of 80 percent. Despite the gaps, he highlighted progress made so far, including 84 percent laboratory readiness, strengthened surveillance systems, improved points of entry preparedness, activation of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, deployment of ambulance services at the Freetown International Airport, identification of isolation facilities, and intensified nationwide risk communication campaigns.

During the engagement, the Director of Information, Communication and Technology at NPHA, Mr. Micheal Kamara, demonstrated the Point of Entry (PoE) Travel Portal, showcasing digital innovations aimed at enhancing border health surveillance, streamlining traveller screening, and strengthening disease prevention and response mechanisms at all entry points. Delivering the keynote statement, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer-Clinical Services, Dr. med Mustapha S. Kabba, emphasized the need for a standardized and fully coordinated portal system that can be activated whenever necessary. He stressed the importance of involving all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in preparedness activities and acknowledged existing communication gaps regarding outbreak response systems. Dr. Kabba further underscored the importance of continuous preparedness through regular training, simulation exercises, and emergency response drills to strengthen the country’s outbreak readiness capacity.

Several partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s preparedness and response efforts through technical and operational collaboration. In his closing remarks, the Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency, Prof. Foday Sahr, emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration, coordination, and accountability among all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of preparedness strategies and strengthen the resilience of Sierra Leone’s public health system. The meeting reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to building a resilient and responsive healthcare system capable of preventing, detecting, and responding effectively to emerging public health threats.

©️Media & Communications Unit, DHAS

22/05/2026

Connaught Hospital continues to make significant strides in improving healthcare delivery and patient experience through ongoing reforms and service innovations aimed at strengthening quality healthcare services in Sierra Leone. As part of efforts to improve communication and responsiveness to patients and visitors, the Connaught Hospital Management Team has recruited and trained dedicated customer service personnel who are now stationed at the Out-Patient Department (OPD) cage to attend to complaints, inquiries, and suggestions from patients and the public. The initiative officially commenced operations on 18th May 2026 and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability, professionalism, and patient-centered care within the hospital.

In addition to the deployment of customer service personnel, management has also introduced dedicated complaint and feedback lines strategically placed across various sections of the facility to ensure patients and visitors can easily report concerns and receive timely support. The customer service personnel will report directly to the hospital’s top management to ensure swift decision-making and prompt action on issues affecting service delivery. Furthermore, staff training on customer relations for the fourth cohort is currently ongoing as part of efforts to strengthen staff interaction with patients and improve overall patient satisfaction.

The hospital continues to implement several transformative initiatives including the digitization of medical records, strengthening patient care systems, upgrading hospital wards and laboratories, and improving staff capacity through continuous training and professional development. These interventions are geared toward enhancing efficiency, reducing delays in service delivery, improving data management, and ensuring better healthcare outcomes for patients seeking care at the country’s leading adult referral hospital.

The Connaught Hospital Management Team expressed appreciation to healthcare workers, the Ministry of Health, development partners, and stakeholders for their continued dedication and support toward the hospital’s transformation journey. Management reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining reforms and innovations that will improve quality healthcare delivery, patient experience, and operational efficiency at the facility as part of the Ministry of Health’s broader vision for strengthening Sierra Leone’s healthcare system.

©️Media & Communications Unit, DHAS

21/05/2026

MoH Holds Third Steering Committee Meeting with MSF Belgium on Hanga Hospital Integration in Kenema

The Ministry of Health, through its senior leadership led by the Senior Permanent Secretary, Mr. Andrew L. Sorie, on Wednesday, 20th May 2026, held the third Steering Committee Meeting with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Belgium at the MOH Conference Hall to review progress on the integration of the Hanga Government Maternal and Children’s Hospital (GMCH) in Kenema into the national healthcare system. The meeting brought together key stakeholders including the Deputy Chief Medical Officer–Clinical Services, Deputy Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Director of Human Resource for Health, Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services, District Medical Officer–Kenema, Health Service Commission officials, representatives from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Belgium, and the Regional Government Hospital Kenema. Discussions centered on progress made, existing challenges, and strategic plans to ensure a smooth and sustainable transition of the facility into full Ministry of Health management.

Welcoming participants, the Deputy Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Matron Haja, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and honest engagement throughout the integration process. She highlighted the progress already achieved through joint efforts and encouraged participants to engage in constructive discussions that would lead to practical and feasible solutions. In his opening remarks, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer–Clinical Services Dr. med Mustapha S. Kabba praised both the Ministry of Health and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Belgium teams for the remarkable collaboration demonstrated so far. He noted that the integration process reflects a strong district-led effort where many challenges are being resolved through teamwork and coordination. He further commended the quality of the 2025 performance report presented by the facility, stating that the data and achievements highlighted significant progress in admissions, patient care, and child health outcomes.

Presenting updates on the integration process, the Acting Medical Superintendent of GMCH, Dr. Abdul Kalokoh, informed the committee that the inpatient department and diabetic center had already been successfully integrated into the Ministry of Health system. He disclosed that integration of the pediatric inpatient department and Intensive Therapeutic Feeding Centre (ITFC) commenced on 1st May 2026, while plans are underway to integrate the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit by September 2026. Dr. Kalokoh also highlighted achievements including joint supervision exercises during nights and weekends, collaborative blood donation drives with Kenema Government Hospital, surgical skills training for doctors, preceptor training for midwives, and strengthened collaboration on supplies and referrals. He further noted that significant steps had been taken to establish the hospital’s identity under the Ministry of Health, including signage, branding, and communication outreach. However, he acknowledged that challenges still remain, particularly in staffing critical positions such as pharmacist, hospital secretary, accountant, M&E officer, and additional matrons.

The Deputy Project Medical Coordinator of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Belgium, Mr. Mustapha Konneh, presented several operational challenges facing the hospital, including shortages of clinical health technicians, biomedical staff, nurse anesthetists, and maintenance officers, as well as the absence of a dedicated MOH budget line for GMCH. He further stressed the need to strengthen attendance discipline, improve integration into the national medical supply chain, and secure transportation support for staff. Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed MSF Belgium’s commitment to continuing capacity building, supplies support, referral coordination, and preparation for the integration of transversal departments such as laboratory, mental health, logistics, pharmacy, and health promotion ahead of the 2028 transition timeline. He also announced plans for a national press briefing to formally communicate the integration progress and encourage broader stakeholder support.

In his closing remarks, Senior Permanent Secretary Mr. Andrew L. Sorie commended both the Ministry of Health and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Belgium teams for the remarkable progress made in the integration process. He described the achievements as exceeding expectations despite the challenges encountered, noting that strong organizational systems and a new culture of collaboration are gradually becoming entrenched within the facility. He highlighted the encouraging increase in admissions and other positive indicators presented during the meeting as evidence of meaningful transformation within the health sector. The meeting concluded with extensive discussions on key challenges, timelines for implementation of action points, and assignment of responsibilities to ensure continued progress toward the successful integration and sustainability of Government Maternal and Children’s Hospital, Hanga.

©️Media & Communications, DHAS

Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services, MoH

08/06/2026

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