Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has officially handed over a 50-seater bus for health workers at the Koidu Government Hospital and a Land Cruiser for the Medical Superintendent, in a move aimed at improving transportation for health personnel and enabling them to respond more effectively to duty, particularly during emergencies.
The well-attended ceremony took place on 17th April 2026 in Kono District, where the Vice President, speaking on behalf of the government, explained that the initiative was inspired by his observations of the challenges nurses and other health workers face in reporting to work, especially during critical periods. He recalled that President Julius Maada Bio had recently handed over ten buses to the Ministry of Health in Bo as part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide.
Describing the gesture as a token of appreciation, Dr. Jalloh commended health workers for their dedication to saving lives and urged them to ensure proper maintenance of the newly provided vehicles. He further emphasised that the support serves as a test case for future government interventions and disclosed ongoing plans to provide additional vehicles for Paramount Chiefs. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advocating for increased budgetary allocation to the health sector.
Chairing the event, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sartie Kenneh highlighted ongoing government efforts under the “Zero Preventable Deaths” campaign, particularly targeting children under five. He stressed the importance of strengthening digital diagnostic systems and investing in human capital development. Dr. Kenneh noted that the procurement of the buses was driven by the need to address transportation challenges faced by health workers. He revealed that ten buses comprising five 38-seaters and five 55-seaters have been distributed nationwide, with Kono receiving one of the largest, a 50-seater. He added that the buses are equipped with GPS tracking systems and are linked to the National Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) garage to ensure proper maintenance and long-term use.
Welcoming the Vice President, Paramount Chief Komba Sangor Kogbende Kaimachandeh expressed appreciation for the continued support to Kono District, describing the Vice President’s visits as impactful and beneficial. District Medical Officer in Kono, Dr. Mohamed Gbessay Sheku, described the gesture as an indelible mark on the district’s health sector, noting that it would reduce risks associated with unsafe commuting and enhance service delivery, including the Zero Dose vaccination campaign. He also outlined key achievements in the district, including the solarisation of 98 health facilities, distribution of 48 motorbikes to support outreach services, and improved maternal health services with over 1,200 pregnant women admitted at the Maternal Centre of Excellence since February 2026. Despite these gains, he highlighted ongoing challenges such as poor road networks and the need for additional ambulances to strengthen referral systems.
The Mayor of Koidu New Sembehun City Council praised the initiative, noting that the Koidu Government Hospital has significantly enhanced Kono’s reputation in healthcare delivery nationwide. Members of Parliament of the Kono District Block and district authorities, including Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina and District Council Chairman Augustine Sahr Sheku, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting notable progress including reductions in maternal mortality and increased donor confidence in Sierra Leone’s health sector.
CEO of Partners In Health (PIH) Sierra Leone, Vickey Reed, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting healthcare delivery and disclosed that over 500 babies have been delivered safely at the Maternal Centre of Excellence. The Medical Superintendent of the Koidu Government Hospital, Dr. Ian Wurrie, delivered the vote of thanks.
