President Bio launches key healthcare initiatives in Bonthe District

SIERRA LEONE—President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has inaugurated a cold chain facility for the Bonthe District Health Management Team and launched the National Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) program.

 These initiatives form part of the government’s efforts to enhance healthcare through the Quality Essential Health Service and System Support project.

Expressing gratitude to the health sector management team and donor partners, President Bio highlighted the cold chain facility’s critical role in improving healthcare delivery in Bonthe District.

He also noted its potential as a model for replication in other districts across Sierra Leone.

The facility is expected to strengthen the country’s already impressive immunization program, which has earned global recognition.

According to the President, infrastructure investments like this, combined with the dedication of healthcare workers, ensure timely vaccinations for children nationwide.

Stressing the importance of equitable healthcare access, President Bio reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a system that caters to all, regardless of location, ethnicity, or gender.

He praised the Ministry of Health for bringing the cold chain facility into operation and highlighted the introduction of new ambulance services as a vital step forward.

These ambulances are designed to reduce emergency response times, enable faster patient referrals, and save more lives.

Dr. Songor Koedoyoma, Acting Chief Executive Officer of NEMS, reported that 14 fully equipped ambulances have been deployed across five districts.

These vehicles, staffed with healthcare workers and ready with fuel, aim to improve service reliability and minimize delays through efficient maintenance.

Dr. Desmond Maada Kangbai, Manager of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), commended the government for consistently supporting immunization efforts.

He revealed that Sierra Leone has achieved a remarkable 95% vaccination coverage in recent years.

He emphasized that the new cold chain facility will boost vaccine storage capacity, ensuring vaccines are kept at the correct temperatures and distributed efficiently.

Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby also acknowledged the President’s leadership in transforming healthcare.

He highlighted notable progress, including a national immunization rate of over 90%, a significant reduction in maternal deaths, and a 30% decline in infant mortality.

He expressed confidence that the new facilities would help achieve the government’s goal of zero preventable maternal and child deaths.

In addition to these healthcare initiatives, President Bio inspected ongoing projects in the district.

These included the construction of the Government Training Institute, a bridge, and boarding facilities for nurses in Mattru, reflecting the government’s broader commitment to improving infrastructure and services.

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