Sierra Leone, Germany Partner to Build Child-Friendly Isolation Unit at Ola During Children’s Hospital
Kanja Sesay The Government of Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Government of Germany, is supporting the construction of a new child-friendly isolation unit at Ola During Children’s Hospital in Freetown to strengthen specialised care for children during disease outbreaks.
The project was formally unveiled at the hospital on Wednesday, 7 October, with the unveiling of the project panel marking an important step towards the development of the facility.
The initiative is being supported by Germany through its Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in collaboration with Sierra Leone’s health authorities.
The planned isolation unit will provide specialised care for children suspected or confirmed to have infectious diseases while creating a safer and more supportive environment for young patients and their families.
The facility is expected to strengthen Ola During Children’s Hospital’s capacity to manage infectious disease cases safely, particularly during outbreaks and other public health emergencies.
The project will also focus on strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers who will operate the facility. Doctors, nurses, technicians and support staff are expected to receive training in infection prevention and control, triage, intensive care, facility maintenance and psychosocial support.
Hospital management systems will also be strengthened to support the safe, effective and sustainable operation of the facility after its completion.
The intervention brings together the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Agency, Ola During Children’s Hospital and development partners from Sierra Leone and Germany as part of broader efforts to improve the country’s preparedness for future disease outbreaks.
For Ola During Children’s Hospital, the project is expected to provide additional capacity to protect and treat children requiring isolation and specialised care, while ensuring that their treatment is delivered in a setting that recognises their emotional and psychosocial needs.
The Government of Sierra Leone and its German partners see the initiative as part of continued efforts to strengthen the country’s health system and ensure that children receive timely, safe and compassionate care during public health emergencies.