Dr. Mustapha Kabba officially assumed office as Sierra Leone’s new Chief Medical Officer on Monday, August 31, 2026, with a firm commitment to promoting compassionate, patient-centred healthcare and strengthening accountability across the country’s health sector.
Speaking on his first day in office,Dr. Mustapha Kabba declared that patients would remain at the centre of the Ministry of Health’s mission and must be treated with dignity, empathy and respect.
“Patients remain at the heart of our mission. They must be seen, heard and cared for with compassion,” he stated.
The new Chief Medical Officer expressed appreciation to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for entrusting him with the responsibility. He also thanked the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, the leadership of the Ministry and health professionals serving throughout Sierra Leone for the confidence placed in him.
“Thank you, Your Excellency, for entrusting me with this role. Our patients are the reason we are here; they should be seen, heard and served with compassion,” Dr. Mustapha Kabba said.
He pledged to work tirelessly in the national interest and support the Health Minister’s vision of transforming healthcare delivery, particularly for women and children. He said the Ministry has a competent team capable of achieving meaningful progress through cooperation, dedication and effective leadership.
“We have a competent team and together we will succeed. Let’s get to work,” he added.
Dr. Mustapha Kabba called for unity and collective responsibility among doctors, nurses, administrators, development partners and other stakeholders within the health sector. He stressed that improving healthcare services requires teamwork and a shared commitment to achieving measurable results.
“We must work together as a team, not as individuals. When we succeed together, we all share the glory,” he maintained.
The Chief Medical Officer emphasized that sustainable progress would depend on every official taking full responsibility for delivering on their assigned duties. He encouraged health workers and administrators to focus on finding solutions and improving services instead of apportioning blame when challenges arise.
According to him, a culture of accountability, professionalism and cooperation will be essential to strengthening the health system and ensuring that quality services reach people in every part of the country.
Dr. Mustapha Kabba also paid tribute to his predecessor for contributing to the development of Sierra Leone’s health sector. He pledged to build on the progress already achieved while introducing measures to address existing challenges and improve healthcare delivery nationwide.
His assumption of office comes at a time when the Government is pursuing reforms designed to improve maternal and child healthcare, enhance service delivery and strengthen the country’s health infrastructure.
Dr. Mustapha Kabba’s opening message underscored his determination to lead through teamwork, accountability and compassion, with patients occupying the central place in every policy and programme undertaken by the Ministry of Health.
