The Government of Sierra Leone and the Republic of Türkiye have signed a landmark agreement for the construction and furnishing of the Emine Erdoğan Mother and Child Hospital in Bo City, a major development expected to significantly transform maternal and child healthcare delivery in the country.
The protocol agreement, signed on Monday, 11 May 2026, at State House in Freetown between the Office of the President of Sierra Leone and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), marks another milestone in the growing diplomatic and development partnership between Sierra Leone and Türkiye.
The initiative, inspired by the shared vision of Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio and Türkiye’s First Lady, Emine Erdoğan, is expected to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services while supporting President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s Human Capital Development agenda, particularly in the health sector.
The modern healthcare facility, which will cover approximately 2,000 square metres, is expected to provide advanced and specialized maternal and child health services. According to details of the agreement, the hospital will feature emergency medical services, operating theatres, specialized obstetric units, advanced neonatal intensive care units, antenatal and postnatal wards, as well as training facilities for healthcare professionals.
Welcoming dignitaries and guests at the signing ceremony, the Secretary to the President described the project as another major milestone in Government’s sustained commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s healthcare system and improving access to quality medical care for women and children.
Speaking during the ceremony, TİKA Coordinator to Sierra Leone, Mirzet Müezzinoğlu, reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to equitable healthcare access and sustainable development. He emphasized that meaningful development begins with prioritizing the wellbeing of mothers and children, adding that the partnership would also create professional training and capacity-building opportunities for Sierra Leonean doctors and healthcare workers.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health described the agreement as “a declaration of hope, dignity and life,” stressing that no mother should lose her life while giving birth and no child should be deprived of access to quality healthcare services.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Yusuf Burak Rende, described the initiative as a historic symbol of friendship, solidarity and shared aspirations for development between Sierra Leone and Türkiye, noting that the partnership continues to deepen cooperation in critical sectors.
Delivering her keynote address, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio described the agreement as “the signing of a dream,” stating that the project would save lives and restore hope to thousands of families across Sierra Leone. She expressed profound appreciation to Türkiye’s First Lady, Emine Erdoğan, for her continued support and commitment to improving maternal and child healthcare.
The First Lady also thanked the Inspector General of Police for providing the land that will host the hospital project, noting that the initiative reflects a collective national effort to improve healthcare outcomes for women and children.
The signing of the agreement further strengthens bilateral cooperation between Sierra Leone and Türkiye in healthcare, infrastructure development and people-centered service delivery, while reinforcing both countries’ commitment to improving the wellbeing of citizens through strategic partnerships.
