Inauguration of Cold Chain Facility and Launch of National Emergency Medical Services in Sierra Leone
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has taken a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone by officially opening a cold chain facility for the Bonthe District Health Management Team and introducing the National Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) program. These initiatives are part of the government’s Quality Essential Health Service and System Support project, aimed at enhancing the overall healthcare system in the country.
During the inauguration ceremony, President Bio expressed his appreciation to the health sector management team and donor partners for their collaborative efforts in advancing healthcare services. He highlighted the crucial role of the cold chain facility in supporting healthcare delivery in Bonthe and emphasized its potential as a model for replication in other districts across Sierra Leone. The President also credited the country’s exceptional immunization record to investments in infrastructure like cold chain facilities and the dedication of healthcare workers who ensure timely vaccinations for every child.
President Bio stressed the importance of equitable healthcare access, stating, “Throughout our lives, we need a well-structured healthcare service that addresses our needs irrespective of region, tribal affiliation, color, or sex.” He commended the Ministry of Health for operationalizing the cold chain facility and highlighted the benefits of the newly introduced ambulance services, which are expected to reduce emergency response times, enable timely referrals, and ultimately save more lives.
Dr. Songor Koedoyoma, Acting Chief Executive Officer of NEMS, briefed the President on the organization’s commitment to providing reliable and trustworthy services. He announced the deployment of 14 brand-new, fully equipped ambulances across five districts, staffed by healthcare workers and equipped with fuel to improve response times and minimize downtime through efficient maintenance practices.
Dr. Desmond Maada Kangbai, EPI Program Manager, praised the government’s consistent efforts in immunization, noting a nationwide coverage rate of 95% in recent years. He highlighted the significance of the cold chain facility in expanding vaccine storage capacity, preventing stockouts, and ensuring vaccines are stored at optimal temperatures for distribution to health facilities.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, commended President Bio for his visionary leadership in transforming the healthcare sector. He reported a national immunization rate exceeding 90% over the past five years, a decrease in maternal deaths, and a 30% reduction in infant mortality. Dr. Demby assured that the new facilities would contribute to the government’s goal of zero preventable maternal and child deaths nationwide.
Aside from the healthcare initiatives, President Bio also conducted a working visit to various ongoing projects in the district, including the construction sites for the Government Training Institute, a bridge, and boarding facilities for nurses in Mattru. This visit allowed him to assess the progress of these projects firsthand and reaffirm his commitment to improving infrastructure across the country.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
