Sierra Leone Launches Five-Year Surgical Plan
The Ministry of Health has established a steering committee to oversee the implementation of Sierra Leone's National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP) for 2026–2030, in a move aimed at improving access to essential surgical and related healthcare services across the country.
The committee was constituted during its first meeting, convened by the Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services (DHAS) at the Ministry of Health's conference room in Freetown on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The meeting brought together Ministry officials, representatives of teaching hospitals, clinical specialists, training institutions and development partners.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Mustapha S. Kabba will chair the committee, while the Senior Permanent Secretary will serve as co-chair. Members agreed to meet every two months, with the next meeting expected to take place in January 2027. Discussions at the meeting highlighted progress in specialist training, hospital infrastructure, diagnostic imaging and blood services. However, participants also identified continuing gaps, including shortages of specialised health workers, limited training capacity, inadequate theatre readiness and weaknesses in supporting services and quality management.
The committee will provide a coordination and oversight structure for implementing the five-year plan, with members emphasising the need to strengthen specialist training pathways, institutional accreditation and workforce development. Coordinated surgical outreach through DHAS and the Health Engagement Unit was also identified as a priority.
Dr Kabba reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to implementing the plan's priorities, including improvements in specialist training, operating theatres, diagnostic imaging and blood services, while emphasising the importance of using verified data to track implementation and measure progress.
The plan is intended to improve the availability of safe, timely, equitable and affordable surgical, obstetric and anaesthesia services, with stronger coordination and accountability expected to support better healthcare delivery across Sierra Leone.
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