A wave of optimism has greeted news that five young medical doctors and one nurse from Sierra Leone have secured full scholarships to pursue specialised training in Hematology in Italy.

The opportunity, supported by the Italian Association for Solidarity Among People (AISPO) in partnership with the Ministry of Health, will enable the six health professionals to undergo four months of intensive training aimed at strengthening blood science and transfusion services.

Hematology the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of blood-related conditions  plays a critical role in saving lives, particularly in maternal healthcare. In Sierra Leone, postpartum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding after childbirth) remains one of the leading causes of maternal deaths. Health experts believe that equipping local professionals with advanced skills in blood management, transfusion safety, and laboratory systems will help reduce preventable maternal fatalities.

Minister of Health, Austin Demby, described the scholarship award as a strategic investment in the country’s healthcare system. He emphasised that strengthening local capacity is essential for sustainable progress, noting that improved national blood transfusion services would directly enhance emergency obstetric care and overall patient survival rates.

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Mustapha Kabba also expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the government’s continued commitment to expanding specialised medical training and strengthening international partnerships.

The development marks both a personal milestone for the six healthcare professionals and a broader step forward in Sierra Leone’s efforts to improve maternal health outcomes and build a more resilient healthcare system.

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