By Kadiatu A Turay

Nestled along Sierra Leone’s northern coast, Lungi is known for its strategic role as the gateway to the world through its international airport. Yet, behind this façade of connectivity lies a pressing health challenge: Lungi’s clinics are grappling with the ever increasing needs of its growing population.

Over the years, Lungi has experienced significant population growth fueled by migration, economic opportunities, and urbanization. However, this growth has outpaced the development of its healthcare infrastructure, leaving local clinics overstretched and under resourced.

Clinics designed to serve a few hundred patients now find themselves accommodating thousands. The lack of adequate facilities, medical supplies, and skilled personnel has created bottlenecks, affecting the quality of care provided. Pregnant women, children, and those with chronic illnesses bear the brunt of these challenges, often enduring long waits or traveling miles to access treatment.

Healthcare workers in Lungi’s clinics are at the forefront of this crisis. Many describe their work as a daily battle against limited resources. A nurse at one of the town’s primary health units explained, “We want to do more, but we lack the tools. We need more staff, modern equipment, and enough medicine to meet our patients’ needs.”

Another healthcare worker echoed this sentiment, stating, “On some days, we see over 100 patients, but we have just two nurses on duty. It’s exhausting, and the patients suffer because we cannot give each person the attention they deserve.”

The strain of communicable diseases like malaria and typhoid compounds the problem. “Malaria is the most common case we see here,” said a community health worker. “But without enough medication or proper diagnostic tools, managing the situation becomes difficult. We are doing our best, but it’s not enough.”

Despite these challenges, Lungi’s residents and healthcare providers have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Community health workers play a vital role, offering home based care and health education to reduce the burden on clinics. NGOs and local organizations have also stepped in, providing periodic supplies and funding for essential services.

One patient, Mariatu Kamara, who visited a clinic recently for treatment, shared her frustration: “I waited for almost five hours before seeing a nurse, only to be told the medication I needed wasn’t available. It’s a struggle every time we come here.”

A doctor at one of Lungi’s clinics emphasized the need for support: “If we don’t invest in healthcare now, the situation will only worsen. Our population is growing, and healthcare is a basic need. It’s time to act.”

One notable initiative is the construction of additional health outposts in underserved neighborhoods. While these efforts are commendable, they are often limited in scale and fail to address the root causes of the healthcare crisis.

To improve healthcare delivery in Lungi, a multi pronged approach is needed. First, increased government investment in health infrastructure is essential. Expanding and equipping clinics with modern facilities and hiring additional healthcare professionals can significantly alleviate the burden.

Second, preventive health measures such as sanitation improvements and widespread vaccination campaigns can reduce the incidence of common diseases. Finally, fostering partnerships with international health organizations can bring in the much-needed expertise and funding to drive long-term improvements.

Lungi’s clinics are standing on the brink, striving to serve a population that continues to grow and evolve. While the challenges are daunting, the resilience of healthcare workers and community members offers hope. With strategic investments and collaborative efforts, Lungi’s healthcare system can be revitalized, ensuring that its residents no longer have to live with health on the edge.