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The Ministry of Health, led by Permanent Secretary Andrew L. Sorie, on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, held the third Steering Committee Meeting with Médecins Sans Frontières Belgium to review progress on the integration of the Hanga Government Maternal and Children’s Hospital (GMCH) in Kenema.
Discussions centered on progress made, existing challenges, and strategic plans aimed at ensuring a smooth and sustainable transition of the facility into full Ministry of Health management.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Chief Medical Officer–Clinical Services, Med Mustapha S. Kabba, praised both the Ministry of Health and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Belgium teams for the remarkable collaboration demonstrated throughout the process.
He noted that the integration reflects a strong district-led effort, with many challenges being resolved through teamwork and coordination. Dr. Kabba also commended the quality of the hospital’s 2025 performance report, stating that the data and achievements presented highlighted significant progress in admissions, patient care, and child health outcomes.
Presenting updates on the integration process, Acting Medical Superintendent of GMCH, Abdul Kalokoh, informed the committee that the inpatient department and diabetic center had already been successfully integrated into the Ministry of Health system.
He disclosed that the integration of the pediatric inpatient department and Intensive Therapeutic Feeding Centre (ITFC) commenced on 1 May 2026, while plans are underway to integrate the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit by September 2026.
Dr. Kalokoh also highlighted several achievements, including joint supervision exercises during nights and weekends, collaborative blood donation drives with Kenema Government Hospital, surgical skills training for doctors, preceptor training for midwives, and strengthened collaboration on supplies and referrals.
He further noted that significant steps had been taken to establish the hospital’s identity under the Ministry of Health through signage, branding, and communication outreach. However, he acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in staffing critical positions such as pharmacists, hospital secretaries, accountants, monitoring and evaluation officers, and additional matrons.
Speaking during the meeting, Permanent Secretary Andrew L. Sorie commended both the Ministry of Health and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Belgium teams for the remarkable progress achieved in the integration process.
He described the achievements as exceeding expectations despite the challenges encountered, noting that strong organizational systems and a new culture of collaboration are gradually becoming entrenched within the facility. He further highlighted the encouraging increase in admissions and other positive indicators presented during the meeting as evidence of meaningful transformation within the health sector.
The meeting concluded with extensive discussions on key challenges, timelines for the implementation of action points, and the assignment of responsibilities to ensure continued progress toward the successful integration and sustainability of the Hanga Government Maternal and Children’s Hospital.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including the Deputy Chief Medical Officer–Clinical Services, Deputy Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Director of Human Resource for Health, Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services, District Medical Officer–Kenema, officials from the Health Service Commission, representatives of Médecins Sans Frontières Belgium, and representatives from the Regional Government Hospital in Kenema.
