By Kadijatu Ishmatu Bangura

Dr Mustapha Kabba taking over as Chief Medical Officer

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has announced that Dr. Mustapha Kabba has officially assumed office as Sierra Leone’s new Chief Medical Officer (CMO), pledging accountability, transparency, and patient‑centered care in the country’s health system. His appointment comes at a critical time as Sierra Leone continues to grapple with persistent challenges in maternal health, infectious diseases, and hospital management.

Dr. Kabba’s swearing‑in ceremony was held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Freetown, attended by senior officials, medical practitioners, and representatives of international health partners. In his inaugural remarks, he emphasized that his leadership will focus on strengthening accountability mechanisms, improving service delivery, and ensuring that patients remain at the center of healthcare reforms.

“Our health system must be accountable to the people it serves. Every patient deserves dignity, respect, and quality care. My commitment is to ensure that accountability is not just a slogan but a practice embedded in every hospital and clinic,” Dr. Kabba said.

Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby welcomed the appointment, noting Kabba’s years of experience and strong vision for patient‑centered care. “His leadership will be critical as we continue to strengthen our health sector and meet the Sustainable Development Goals,” Demby remarked.

Civil society groups expressed cautious optimism. Ibrahim Kamara, Director of the Center for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL), observed that accountability in healthcare has long been a missing link. “If Dr. Kabba can deliver on his promises, it will restore public trust in the system,” he said.

Challenges Facing the Health Sector

Sierra Leone remains among the countries with the highest maternal mortality ratios globally. Many rural clinics lack electricity, running water, and essential medical equipment. The country faces a shortage of trained doctors, nurses, and midwives, particularly in remote districts. Cases of negligence and mismanagement often go unpunished, leaving families without justice.

Dr. Kabba acknowledged these realities, stressing that they will be central to his reform agenda. He noted that the health system cannot achieve meaningful progress unless accountability is enforced and resources are directed toward frontline workers and facilities.

The new CMO outlined several priorities for his tenure:

• Strengthening accountability through performance audits for hospitals and clinics.
• Patient‑centered care by ensuring treatment protocols prioritize dignity and safety.
• Capacity building with expanded training programs for healthcare workers.
• Community engagement to educate families on preventive health measures and early warning signs.
• Partnerships with international organizations such as WHO and UNICEF to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

At the ceremony, survivors of maternal complications shared their experiences, underscoring the urgency of reforms. Fatmata Sesay, a mother from Bo District, recounted: “I nearly lost my life during childbirth because the clinic had no equipment for emergency surgery. I hope the new leadership will make sure no woman goes through what I did.”

Her testimony reflected the broader human impact of systemic failures in healthcare, reinforcing Kabba’s pledge to prioritize patient safety.

The World Health Organization has emphasized that accountability and patient‑centered care are essential to achieving universal health coverage. UNICEF has also warned that preventable child deaths continue to undermine progress in Sierra Leone.

Locally, the government’s Free Health Care Initiative, launched in 2010, aimed to provide free services for pregnant women and children under five. While the program improved access, critics argue that poor implementation and lack of accountability have limited its effectiveness.

The Ministry confirmed that Kabba will immediately begin consultations with district medical officers to assess challenges and design a roadmap for reforms. A national review panel will be established to investigate cases of medical negligence and recommend corrective measures.

Observers say the success of Kabba’s leadership will depend on whether accountability measures are enforced consistently and whether health workers are supported with training and resources rather than simply blamed.

Dr. Mustapha Kabba’s assumption of office as Chief Medical Officer represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Sierra Leone’s health sector. His pledge of accountability and patient‑centered care has raised hopes that systemic failures may finally be addressed. For families across the country, the demand is clear: justice, reform, and a health system that protects rather than fails them.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 7th September 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)