Kenema City, Sierra Leone - President Julius Maada Bio inaugurated the first state-of-the-art School of Midwifery in Kenema District on December 19, 2024. This marks a significant development in Sierra Leone's healthcare sector. The ceremony was led by Mr. Gbessay Ngobeh, Resident Minister of the Eastern Region, who commended the President for his impactful infrastructure projects in Kenema City.
Mr. Ngobeh emphasized that the new School of Midwifery is a major milestone for the district and urged the community to take advantage of this educational opportunity.
Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health and Sanitation, expressed gratitude to President Bio for his leadership in reducing infant mortality rates nationwide. He highlighted the critical role midwives play in these achievements and encouraged Kenema residents to uphold the President’s legacy.
In his address, President Bio acknowledged Kenema as his hometown and called the commissioning a defining moment for healthcare in Sierra Leone. He recognized existing challenges such as infrastructure inadequacies and an uneven distribution of midwives across regions.
To tackle these issues, President Bio mentioned investments made through the "Save the Mother" initiative with support from the Islamic Development Bank. This funding enabled constructing modern facilities at the School of Midwifery in Kenema, including faculty quarters and a resource center.
President Bio stressed maintaining ownership of these facilities and ensuring their sustainability. He chose Kenema strategically as a hub for regional development under his administration.
The newly opened school includes international-standard amenities and is unique for having its own radio station dedicated to healthcare awareness. During its inaugural broadcast, President Bio extended seasonal greetings to Kenema's residents while reaffirming his commitment to their progress.
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