Bio Commissions Kono Maternal Center of Excellence a Landmark in SL Health Transformation
On 25 October 2025 His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has officially commissioned the Kono Maternal Center of Excellence in Koidu City, describing the facility as “a landmark achievement born of strong partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone and Partners In Health (PIH).”
The state-of-the-art hospital represents a major milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, especially for women and children in underserved areas. The new facility expands the former Koidu Government Hospital’s capacity from 48 to 120 beds, increases operating theatres from one to three, and introduces Sierra Leone’s first rural-based Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) — a game changer for maternal and child health outcomes in the region.
“Every generation is remembered for the foundation it lays. Today, here in Kono, we lay a foundation for life itself,”
— President Dr. Julius Maada Bio
In his keynote address, President Bio said the Centre stands as a testament to his government’s unwavering commitment to quality healthcare and human capital development. “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 stated.
The President drew a symbolic contrast between Kono’s mineral wealth and the new hospital’s humanitarian value: “Kono has long been known for its diamonds, but today we celebrate something more precious — the sparkle of life, health, and hope.”
He emphasized that the Maternal Center of Excellence is at the heart of his government’s Human Capital Development Agenda, one of the Big Five Game Changers, underscoring that national progress begins with healthy mothers and children.
President Bio noted that investments in healthcare directly strengthen education, productivity, and prosperity. “For far too long, too many mothers have died while giving life — but that story is changing,” he affirmed, highlighting that maternal deaths have dropped by more than 70 percent in the last two decades, while immunisation rates now rank among the highest in West Africa.
He further announced that the new Centre will double the capacity of the Koidu Government Hospital and serve as a national training hub for doctors, nurses, and midwives. “Quality healthcare should not depend on geography, but on vision and commitment,” he declared.
President Bio also expressed profound gratitude to Partners In Health (PIH) for their steadfast collaboration and paid tribute to the late Dr. Paul Farmer, PIH Co-Founder, whose conviction that “health care is a human right” continues to guide Sierra Leone’s progress.
“Opening this Centre on his birthday makes this moment particularly meaningful — a living tribute to his compassion, courage, and humanity,” the President noted.
The President also extended appreciation to Build Health International and the Vlogbrothers community, led by John and Hank Green, for their crucial support and investment in Sierra Leone’s health system. “Your investment has built more than a hospital — you have built hope and possibility,” he affirmed.
President Bio described the project as one built not only with bricks and mortar but also with trust and shared purpose — between government and development partners, and between healthcare workers and their communities. “It reflects what we can achieve when we work together with a shared vision to protect life and build the future,” he said.
Highlighting national progress, President Bio revealed that maternal mortality has dropped from 717 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019 to 354 today, with the government targeting a further reduction to below 70 by 2030.
“This progress proves that even nations once defined by fragility can become beacons of resilience and reform,”
— President Bio concluded.
The event was attended by a cross-section of dignitaries, including the Minister of Health, senior government officials, representatives from Partners In Health, Build Health International, traditional leaders, and other key stakeholders. Their remarks reaffirmed a collective commitment to advancing maternal and child health and ensuring equitable healthcare for every Sierra Leonean.
