President Bio Opens Maternal Centre in Kono

President Bio Opens Maternal Centre in Kono

On October 25, 2025, His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, inaugurated the Maternal Centre of Excellence in Kono, a cutting-edge facility dedicated to maternal and newborn healthcare in Sierra Leone.

This state-of-the-art centre underscores the government's dedication to reducing maternal mortality rates and ensuring safe childbirth. President Bio articulated this commitment, stating,

“Every woman deserves safe childbirth and every child a healthy start in life.”

While Sierra Leone has achieved a significant 70 percent reduction in maternal mortality in recent years, President Bio emphasized,

“Our work is far from over. This centre will help us continue improving health outcomes for mothers and children across the country.”

The facility is strategically positioned to serve the Eastern and Southern regions, offering a comprehensive suite of services including a 120-bed maternity ward, a specialized newborn unit, and the nation's inaugural neonatal intensive care unit. It is designed to deliver holistic care to mothers and infants, extending support specifically to young mothers.

Beyond its healthcare provisions, the centre also functions as a vital training and education hub for healthcare professionals. Its infrastructure includes a 60-bed dormitory, a classroom, two lecture halls, two simulation rooms, a computer lab, and a library.

Developed through a collaborative effort between the Government of Sierra Leone and Partners in Health, the centre provides continuous care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health. It is an integral component of the Free Quality Health Care initiative, which aims to guarantee access to essential health services for all citizens.

President Bio further highlighted that the centre exemplifies the government's steadfast commitment to supporting women and families, particularly in underserved regions like Kono, thereby contributing to the development of a healthier and stronger Sierra Leone. He also extended his appreciation to Partners in Health and other development partners for their ongoing support.

The Maternal Centre of Excellence in Kono is anticipated to significantly enhance access to quality care for mothers and newborns, offering families the prospect of safer births and healthier children.