By: Shalom Radio News
The Baptist Convention Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and supported by Christian Blind Mission (CBM), has inaugurated the Falaba District Primary Eye Care Center in Mongo Bendugu. This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant advancement in addressing the district’s longstanding eye health challenges.
For decades, residents of Falaba District have faced severe obstacles in accessing eye care services, often requiring costly and time-consuming trips to Kabala or Lunsar for treatment. Many patients were left without care due to the high costs and logistical difficulties, relying instead on traditional remedies that often exacerbated their conditions.
During the inauguration ceremony, District Local Council Chairman Mr. Ibrahim Sorie Sesay emphasized the transformative impact of the facility. “This marks a turning point for the people of Falaba District, who have suffered from a lack of accessible eye care for far too long. The burdens of traveling long distances for treatment are now behind us,” he stated, urging residents to responsibly utilize the services offered.
Mr. Sima Kargbo, Eye Health Project Officer for Falaba District, praised CBM’s ongoing commitment to improving eye care in underserved areas. “CBM’s initiatives have been instrumental in expanding access to quality healthcare across Sierra Leone, including the construction and rehabilitation of essential facilities and the provision of free medicines,” he remarked.
Paramount Chief Alhaji Alimany Finah Kalie Sheku Marah expressed gratitude on behalf of the district’s traditional leaders, calling the facility a “blessing” for the community. He encouraged residents to take full advantage of the center’s services and to protect this vital resource.
Dr. Mamoud Idriss Kamara, Director of Primary Health Care at the Ministry of Health, commended the government and its partners for prioritizing healthcare development in remote regions. “This facility symbolizes our commitment to reducing healthcare inequalities. We look forward to seeing the community embrace this center as a catalyst for further progress in Falaba District,” he said.
Dr. Joseph Fornah, National Executive President of the Baptist Convention Sierra Leone, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the project’s success. He reassured residents that the CBM-backed initiative would operate through 2025, with plans for the Ministry of Health to assume responsibility for staffing and supplies thereafter.
In his keynote address, Dr. Saio Kamara, representing the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving universal healthcare. “Eye care is an essential pillar of our health strategy. Partnerships like this allow us to make meaningful progress in reducing blindness and improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans,” he stated, pledging continued support for the facility after the conclusion of the CBM project.
The opening of the Falaba District Primary Eye Care Center marks a pivotal advancement in healthcare access for the district, promising enhanced quality of life and improved health outcomes for its residents.
