By Kadiatu A. Turay

On April 29, 2025, Ambassador Abu Bakarr Coomber, Special Envoy for Trade and Investment, donated a significant consignment of medical equipment and supplies to the 34 Military Hospital in Wilberforce, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare system, particularly within military institutions.

Facilitated through the Office of the First Lady, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, and enabled by strategic partnerships, this donation aligns with the government’s Health for All agenda and enhances the hospital’s capacity to serve both military personnel and civilians.

The donation includes critical care beds, surgical equipment, diagnostic tools, consumables, and emergency medical kits, addressing longstanding infrastructural and resource challenges at the hospital.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to bolster military healthcare facilities, which play a vital role during national emergencies and crises.

At the presentation ceremony held at the hospital, Ambassador Coomber underscored the donation’s significance beyond a charitable act. “This is a response to the urgent need for enhanced healthcare facilities in our military institutions, he said.

A healthy military is the backbone of a secure and prosperous nation. This support ensures that 34 Military Hospital can deliver efficient, high-quality care to those who safeguard our peace and security.

Coomber expressed gratitude to First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, whose office coordinated logistics and mobilized partnerships to make the donation possible. Her Excellency’s leadership has been instrumental in aligning stakeholders around this cause, he noted.

In a statement read on her behalf, the First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to health-related interventions, particularly for vulnerable groups and frontline institutions.

Through strategic partnerships and advocacy, we aim to bridge the health equity gap and ensure no Sierra Leonean is left behind. This donation reflects our belief that health is a fundamental human right, she stated.

Lt. Gen. Peter Lavahun, Chief of Defence Staff, received the items on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and described the donation as timely and transformative. This hospital serves not only the armed forces but also the public, especially during crises, he said. These supplies will enhance our ability to handle critical cases and save lives. He called for more public-private collaborations, noting, The military cannot do this alone collaboration is key to building a resilient national health system.”

Col. Dr. Stephen Sevalie, Commanding Officer of 34 Military Hospital, expressed profound appreciation, highlighting the hospital’s challenges with equipment shortages.

This generous donation equips us to perform complex surgical procedures, respond to emergencies, and expand maternal and neonatal care, he said. As a teaching and referral facility, the hospital plans to leverage the equipment to extend outreach services to underserved communities. This is not just a donation; it’s a catalyst for transformation, Dr. Sevalie added.

A representative from the Ministry of Health and Sanitation praised the initiative as a model of inter-sectoral cooperation. The collaboration between the Office of the First Lady, the Special Envoy for Trade and Investment, and health stakeholders demonstrates how collective efforts can yield meaningful impact, they noted.

Civil society and medical organizations also lauded the donation. The Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA) stated, Access to essential equipment is a major challenge for healthcare institutions. Donations like these provide immediate relief and long-term benefits for medical personnel and patients. Ms. Mariama Kallon, Executive Director of the Health Equity Alliance, emphasized the symbolic value,

This donation recognizes the vital work of military health workers and challenges the private sector to view healthcare investment as a national responsibility.

Young medical staff at the hospital expressed excitement about the donation’s impact. Nurse Alie Bangura remarked, With these supplies, we can reduce preventable deaths and provide the care patients need without improvising due to equipment shortages.

Ambassador Coomber hinted at future support for other health institutions, revealing ongoing efforts with international partners and diaspora communities to mobilize resources. “This is just the beginning. Sierra Leone deserves a health system that works for all, he said.

He linked the initiative to national development goals, stating, A healthy workforce drives productivity, better education outcomes, and social stability.

The ceremony concluded with a guided tour of the hospital’s critical care units, where some equipment will be installed immediately. Staff began orientation sessions to familiarize themselves with the advanced devices.

As Sierra Leone advances toward universal health coverage, this donation exemplifies the power of collaborative leadership, strategic diplomacy, and civic responsibility. Beyond medical supplies, it symbolizes hope, solidarity, and a shared commitment to ensuring quality healthcare for every Sierra Leonean,

Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 2nd , 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)