By: Mahamood Fofana
President Julius Maada Bio has transformed Kono’s long-standing image from a land of “blood diamonds” into a symbol of healing and hope with the commissioning of Sierra Leone’s first Maternal Centre of Excellence (MCOE) on October 25, 2025.
The state-of-the-art facility, built on the expanded campus of the Koidu Government Hospital, increases its capacity from 48 to 120 beds and houses the country’s first-ever Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It represents a major stride in improving maternal and child health outcomes nationwide.
Speaking at the historic ceremony, President Bio described the initiative as part of his government’s unwavering commitment to reducing maternal mortality and strengthening healthcare delivery.
“This is not just about infrastructure—it’s about saving lives,” he declared. “Every woman deserves safe childbirth, and every child a healthy start. We have reduced maternal mortality by 70 percent, but we are determined to do even more.”
The President hailed Partners in Health and other development partners for their vital role in supporting the project, noting that the MCOE stands as a symbol of transformation for a district once associated with hardship and conflict.
Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby emphasized that the new facility marks a major step toward achieving zero preventable maternal deaths in Sierra Leone.
“Every mother and every child deserves a chance at life. No woman should die giving birth,” Demby said. “This centre will serve not only as a hospital but also as a training ground for doctors, nurses, and midwives.”
The MCOE also includes a modern training complex with a 60-bed dormitory, two lecture halls, two simulation rooms, a computer lab, and a library—further aligning with President Bio’s “Big Five Agenda” focused on human capital development.
The commissioning of the Maternal Centre of Excellence marks a defining moment for Kono District—once defined by diamonds and despair, now emerging as a hub of healthcare innovation and compassion.
