President Bio Opens Maternal Centre of Excellence in Kono

President Julius Maada Bio has officially opened the Maternal Centre of Excellence in Kono, describing the facility as an important step in Sierra Leone’s efforts to improve maternal and child healthcare.

The centre was opened on 24 October 2025. It was developed in collaboration with Partners In Health and other development partners, with the stated aim of promoting safer childbirth and helping reduce maternal mortality.

Focus on maternal and child health

The facility has been described as a state-of-the-art centre intended to strengthen access to essential healthcare for women and children, particularly in underserved areas such as Kono.

Speaking about the project, President Bio reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring better care for mothers and children. “Every woman deserves safe childbirth and every child a healthy start in life,” he said.

Bio also said Sierra Leone had reduced maternal mortality by 70 percent over the years. The figure was presented as part of his remarks on progress in the country’s maternal health efforts.

The President said the new centre would provide a foundation for further improvements in health outcomes for women and children. He described it as part of a wider national effort to expand access to quality healthcare.

Part of national health goals

The Kono project aligns with the government’s Free Quality Health Care initiative and broader national development goals, according to the information surrounding the opening.

Bio said the centre reflected a shared commitment to improving healthcare services for families outside the country’s most served areas.

“This centre represents our collective determination to provide world-class healthcare to mothers and families, especially in underserved regions like Kono. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier Sierra Leone,” he said.

The opening adds to the government’s stated efforts to reduce maternal mortality and improve healthcare access for women and children. Further details on the centre’s capacity, staffing and specific services were not provided.