By Nasratu Kargbo
President Julius Maada Bio has said that Karene and Falaba Districts will soon get Special Care Baby Units at their public maternity hospitals. He made this statement on the 6th August 2024 at the State Opening of the second session of the sixth parliament.
Bio whilst speaking on strides made in the health sector stated that the government’s initiatives in healthcare have led to significant improvements in child and maternal health.
“Sierra Leone has met the 80% global standard for Special Care Baby Units in every district, with survival rates at these facilities at 87%. Special Care Baby Units will soon be extended to the remaining two districts, Karene and Falaba,” the President said.
He explained that new programmes that are focused on reducing child mortality and maternal mortality rates have been established.
Bio also spoke of other projects aimed at improving the health sector such as the construction of the Waterloo Hospital, the 166-bed Hospital Centre of Excellence in Kono, a new midwifery school in Kenema, therapeutic oxygen plants, regional laboratory facilities, the rehabilitation of the obstetric fistula operating theatre in Bo, and installing solar electrification at 6 Hospitals and 200 Peripheral Health Units (PHUs), stressing that all are geared towards improving health of Sierra Leoneans.
He said: “Our partnership with Mercy Ships has provided 5,000 free surgeries to Sierra Leoneans, and other public-private projects are ongoing.”
The President said that they are committed to providing affordable and quality healthcare which is aligned with the global call for Universal Health Coverage.
“Building on the successes of the past five years, we have leveraged health financing through partnerships with the World Bank, Global Fund, and FCDO, among others, implementing schemes to reduce patient out-of-pocket costs” Bio stated.
He said there is an increase in the number of citizens that are receiving anti- retroviral treatment, noting that the Government's multi- sectoral response to HIV-AIDS has improved.
“We are committed to broadening access to clean water and sanitation facilities through ongoing urban and rural water supply projects. Efforts to protect water catchment areas and promote waste management have prevented major disease outbreaks”, Bio assured.
The speech by the president has already been tabled in parliament for subsequent debate and actions on the issues highlighted in the speech in the coming days.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (07/08/24)
