By: Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S
In a significant effort to improve healthcare access in Sierra Leone, a week-long health outreach initiative was launched on January 7, 2025, in Tihun, Sogbini Chiefdom, Bonthe District. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with key development partners, the program aims to address critical healthcare needs in some of the district’s most underserved communities.
The launch event featured notable dignitaries, including Chief John Abu, the Resident Minister of the Southern Region, who served as chairperson, and Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha. Running from January 7 to 13, 2025, the initiative will provide essential health services in Tihun, Moriba Town, Mattru, and Bonthe Island. Services offered include eye care, immunizations, cervical cancer screenings, hypertension and diabetes management, child health evaluations, family planning, mental health support, and laboratory tests.
“Hospital on Wheels” Initiative
A standout feature of the program is the “Hospital on Wheels,” a mobile clinic designed to deliver healthcare services directly to remote and hard-to-reach areas. This innovative effort, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Sightsavers, and Marie Stopes Sierra Leone, marks a new chapter in rural healthcare delivery.
At the launch, Chief John Abu praised the initiative, emphasizing its alignment with the government’s vision of equitable healthcare access. “This outreach demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that every Sierra Leonean, irrespective of their location, benefits from quality healthcare services,” he stated.
Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha highlighted the importance of mobile clinics in bridging healthcare gaps, particularly in remote areas. She reaffirmed the government’s goal of achieving universal health coverage by 2030, stating, “This initiative is a critical step toward realizing our vision of leaving no one behind in accessing healthcare.”
The event attracted high-profile stakeholders, 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 described the outreach as transformative for the district’s healthcare system. “By removing logistical and financial barriers, the mobile clinics will ensure that essential health services reach those who need them the most,” he said. Chairperson Asiatu Conteh emphasized the program’s dual focus on treatment and education, urging residents to adopt healthier lifestyles. “This initiative goes beyond medical care. It empowers communities to adopt preventive practices, ensuring long-term health benefits,” she explained.
Dr. Sam Baio, Head of the Hospital on Wheels initiative, and Edward Benya, Director of Programs and Operations at Marie Stopes Sierra Leone, underscored the importance of strong partnerships in achieving the outreach’s objectives, pledging continued support to improve healthcare delivery in the region.
The mobile clinic will continue its operations throughout Bonthe District, targeting communities with limited access to healthcare. This outreach aligns with the government’s broader strategy to strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide, particularly in rural and underserved areas. With active participation from community leaders, health professionals, and development partners, the program is expected to benefit thousands of residents, laying the foundation for improved health outcomes and a stronger healthcare infrastructure in Bonthe District.
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