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Residents of the Asker Amputee Camp in Makeni received a lifesaving medical centre from War Survivors and Author. This is a long-awaited medical clinic dedicated to serving war survivors and vulnerable families.
The Makeni Medical Mission Health Facility, featuring 11 fully equipped treatment rooms, was launched during a moving ceremony attended by community members, local leaders, and international partners. At the heart of the project is Pastor Bambay Sawaneh—a war survivor, humanitarian, and author of “Under the Mango Tree”—whose vision and persistence made the clinic a reality.
Partnering with Southeastern Medical International (SMI) and Concord Christian Church in the United States, Pastor Sawaneh’s mission aligns with one of the key recommendations of Sierra Leone’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC): to improve healthcare access for communities devastated by war.
“This facility is not just a building—it’s a promise fulfilled,” Sawaneh said, visibly emotional. “We were wounded by war, but today, we begin to heal.”
The clinic’s launch was marked by a free medical outreach, with a 10-member American team delivering treatment and medication to over 100 patients. Many of them were amputees, widows, and elderly residents who had long suffered without accessible care.
Nurse Sheila Yates, a veteran healthcare worker with two decades of experience, said she was overwhelmed by the hospitality. “We screened for everything from malaria to infections and fevers. The need is great, but so is the gratitude.”
For Salamatu Turay, a widow who lost her husband in the conflict, the clinic is nothing short of a lifeline. “We used to walk six miles to get to the hospital in Makeni. Now, help is just around the corner,” she said.
The facility is expected to be staffed by more than 10 trained nurses and a Community Health Officer (CHO). While services will be free initially, a modest fee will later help sustain operations.
David Fant of Concord Church recalled the day Pastor Sawaneh first approached him. “It was just an idea then, but today, it’s a miracle. This clinic is proof that healing is possible, even after unimaginable pain.”
Pastor Samuel Menyongar, head of the International Missionary Centre Africa, hailed the clinic as a “symbol of hope and healing” for communities often overlooked in Sierra Leone’s recovery process.
More than just bricks and mortar, the Makeni Medical Mission Health Facility represents a tangible step toward justice, resilience, and remembrance. It honours those who suffered, while offering a healthier future for the generations to come.
As Sierra Leone continues to rebuild, the clinic also serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing need for both local and international support to realise the TRC’s vision: a nation where no survivor is left behind.
