By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a momentous ceremony held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Malleh Village in Kenema District, First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio officially inaugurated the Fatima Jabbe Maada Bio Maternal Health Centre. The event drew a distinguished crowd, including PC Sadiq Kapuwa, Chief Brima Swaray, Hon. Alice Kornya Sandy, Resident Minister East, District Medical Officer Mr. Bernard Grant, Constituency Chairman, Parliamentary representatives, Women’s Leader Hawa Foray, and Chairman A Level Sesay.
The establishment of the Maternal Health Center represents a significant stride in addressing the healthcare needs of expectant mothers and enhancing maternal health outcomes within the community.
This state-of-the-art facility plays a pivotal role in promoting safe motherhood by offering a comprehensive array of services, including antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric care, and postnatal support. By providing access to high-quality maternal healthcare services, the center aims to foster the well-being of both mothers and newborns, thereby contributing to the overall health of the community.
During the commissioning ceremony, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio delivered a poignant and impactful speech, underscoring the importance of maternal health and the profound significance of the new health center in advancing healthcare for women and children in Malleh Village.
She emphasized the pressing need for accessible and quality healthcare services for expectant mothers and stressed the critical role the health center plays in reducing maternal mortality rates. Her impassioned address resonated with the audience and underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing maternal health challenges.
Expressing gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the establishment of the maternal health center, especially Chief Brima Swaray and Hon. Alice Kornya Sandy, Her Excellency recognized their invaluable contributions to the advancement of healthcare in Sierra Leone. She called for sustained collaboration and support to ensure that the facility effectively serves its purpose and positively impacts the lives of women and children in Malleh Village and its environs.
In a brief overview, Her Excellency highlighted the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Law, elucidating its role in promoting gender parity. She also underscored her personal efforts in the fight against teenage pregnancy, urging collective action to combat this societal challenge that has unfortunately become normalized.
In conclusion, Her Excellency’s speech served as a powerful call to action, urging community members, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to unite in a concerted effort towards improving maternal and child health outcomes. The unveiling of the Fatima Jabbe Maada Bio Maternal Health Centre stands as a symbol of progress and commitment to the well-being of mothers and children in Sierra Leone.
