President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially commissioned the Kono Maternal Center of Excellence in Koidu City, describing the project as a historic milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward improved healthcare delivery. The inauguration, held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, marks a major partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone and Partners In Health (PIH) to enhance maternal and child health services across the country.
The new state-of-the-art facility transforms the former Koidu Government Hospital, expanding its capacity from 48 to 120 beds, increasing operating theatres from one to three and introducing the country’s first rural-based Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The Center is expected to serve as both a treatment and training hub for healthcare professionals, offering advanced care to mothers and newborns in one of Sierra Leone’s most underserved districts.
In his keynote address, President Bio hailed the new facility as a “foundation for life itself,” underscoring its significance in his Government’s Human Capital Development Agenda; one of the Big Five Game Changers. “Every generation is remembered for the foundation it lays. Today, here in Kono, we lay a foundation for life itself,” he said. “This Centre is a symbol of our belief that every mother deserves safety, every child deserves a chance and every Sierra Leonean deserves to live in health and dignity.”
He noted that while Kono is widely known for its diamonds, the district is now becoming known for something even more precious; “the sparkle of life, health and hope.” The President highlighted that maternal deaths have dropped by more than 70 percent over the past two decades, adding that Sierra Leone’s immunization coverage now ranks among the highest in West Africa.
“Quality healthcare should not depend on geography but on vision and commitment,” he emphasized, reaffirming his Government’s resolve to make healthcare accessible to all. He further explained that the new Centre will double Koidu Hospital’s service capacity and train hundreds of health workers to meet growing national demand.
President Bio expressed deep appreciation to Partners In Health for their enduring collaboration and paid tribute to the late Dr. Paul Farmer, PIH co-founder, whose belief that “health care is a human right” continues to inspire global action. “Opening this Centre on his birthday makes this moment particularly meaningful; a living tribute to his compassion, courage and humanity,” he said.
He also commended Build Health International and the Vlogbrothers community, led by John and Hank Green, for their investment in Sierra Leone’s health system. “Your investment has built more than a hospital; you have built hope and possibility,” he remarked.
Highlighting national progress, President Bio disclosed that maternal mortality has declined from 717 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019 to 354 today, with a target to reduce it below 70 by 2030. “This progress proves that even nations once defined by fragility can become beacons of resilience and reform,” he concluded.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Health, representatives from Partners In Health, Build Health International, traditional leaders and local authorities; all reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing maternal and child health in Sierra Leone.
