Ministry of Health and Solthis Partner to Advance Maternal and Newborn Survival at Kingharman Hospital
Sia Lucy Kannah The Ministry of Health, through its Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services (DHAS), has officially received a newly equipped maternity room and advanced neonatal tools donated to Kingharman Maternal and Children’s Hospital.
The donation was presented by the Country Director and Programme Coordinator of Solthis.
The initiative forms part of ongoing national efforts to strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare while directly advancing the Ministry of Health’s “300 Days of Activism for Maternal, Newborn and Child Survival” campaign.
The handover introduces vital infrastructure and equipment designed to improve safety, dignity, and clinical outcomes for mothers and infants.
Welcoming the handover, Dr. Hoddy, Medical Superintendent of Kingharman Hospital, acknowledged the trade-offs required to free up facility space. While private capacity was reallocated, he noted the decision reflects management’s commitment to prioritizing maternal care. Dr. Hoddy emphasized the importance of continued partner support to sustain affected hospital operations and reiterated the commitment to compassionate, respectful childbirth services.
Representing the Ministry of Health, Ibrahim Foday-Musa, Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services, expressed appreciation to Solthis and facility administrators. He highlighted the vital role of public-private partnerships in bridging healthcare delivery and infrastructure gaps across the country.
“Partnerships are essential to addressing healthcare infrastructure and service delivery challenges. Hospitals must continue enhancing their capacity for pregnant women and children under five, while maintaining strict infection prevention and control standards and emergency preparedness.”
Solthis reaffirmed its pledge to partner with the Ministry of Health to expand access to quality sexual and reproductive health services. The organisation noted a particular focus on empowering adolescents and young people alongside improving overall maternal and infant mortality rates.
The donation supports the Ministry’s overarching strategy to scale facility readiness, uphold patient dignity, and eliminate preventable maternal and child deaths across Sierra Leone.