Connaught Launches Free Thoracoscopic Surgical Mission
- Grace Bangura
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Connaught Hospital has launched a landmark four-day free thoracoscopic surgical mission, bringing advanced, minimally invasive chest surgery to Sierra Leone. Running from September 1 to 4, 2026, the joint initiative with the Diego González Rivas Foundation targets patients requiring specialized thoracic procedures who cannot afford them.
At the center of the mission is a state-of-the-art mobile surgical unit valued at US$2 million, specifically engineered to deliver complex thoracic care to regions where access to such treatment has historically been limited.
Through this initiative, surgeons are introducing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) to Freetown. VATS allows complex operations on the lungs and chest cavity using a small video camera inserted through minor incisions, resulting in less pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open-chest surgery.
In his keynote address, newly appointed Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mustapha Kabba expressed gratitude to the foundation for providing vital technical expertise, equipment, and intensive hands-on training for the hospital's surgical team.
"My service to the nation started at Connaught Hospital, and my first action as Chief Medical Officer is also starting here," Dr. Kabba stated, highlighting the collaboration between visiting experts and local doctors, nurses, and health workers.
Dr. Kabba emphasized long-term sustainability, noting that local surgeons are actively training alongside international experts in VATS to ensure a lasting skill transfer for Sierra Leonean health professionals.
Under the agreement, Sierra Leone will serve as the permanent headquarters for the US$2 million mobile unit. Future plans include deploying it to neighboring countries like Liberia and Guinea, expanding Sierra Leone's medical reach across West Africa.
Lead surgeon Dr. Diego González Rivas praised the resilience and hospitality of Sierra Leone, reaffirming the foundation's mission to democratize advanced surgical care and permanently elevate local medical capabilities.
Connaught Hospital's Senior Matron, Fatmata Kanja Jalloh, thanked the foundation for its contributions and congratulated Dr. Kabba on his new role, commending his dedication to transforming the health sector.
The Ministry of Health noted that the mission aligns with national strategies to expand specialized care, build local clinical expertise, and reduce reliance on costly overseas medical referrals.
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