By: Elizabeth A. Kaine
Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, reaffirmed her commitment to improving the country’s healthcare system during a visit to the Mercy Ships Partners Welcome Event on August 29, 2024.
Accompanied by top Ministry of Health officials, including Deputy Minister II Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha, Dr. Bio signed the Mercy Ships visitor’s book, solidifying her dedication to enhancing healthcare services in Sierra Leone.
In her keynote address, Dr. Bio emphasized that improving the healthcare system requires making hospitals more accessible and welcoming, recognizing the hard work of healthcare staff, and empowering local healthcare professionals through education and mentorship, which aligns with her current academic pursuits at UCLA.
The First Lady commended Mercy Ships’ efforts in operating the outpatient extension center at Macaulay Street Government Hospital and expressed anticipation for the next field service from September 2024 to June 2025, aligning with President Julius Maada Bio’s healthcare reform agenda.
Dr. Fatima Bio was given a guided tour of the Global Mercy by Managing Director Daniel Lauermann Mana, providing her with a deeper understanding of the ship’s operations.
Her involvement in the event highlights her commitment to advocating for accessible, quality healthcare and her proactive approach to acquiring academic knowledge to better serve her people.
In this context, Mercy Ships’ partnership with the Sierra Leone government is a significant step forward, as the organization’s expertise and resources will be invaluable in supporting the country’s healthcare system. Mercy Ships, a global humanitarian organization, has partnered with the Sierra Leone government to provide free medical care and training to support the country’s healthcare system. The organization’s flagship, the Global Mercy, is currently docked in Freetown, offering state-of-the-art medical facilities and expertise to those in need.
