The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Government of Germany, is supporting the construction of a new child-friendly isolation unit at Ola During Children’s Hospital in Freetown. This initiative aims to strengthen specialised care for children during disease outbreaks. The project was formally unveiled at the hospital on Wednesday, 7 October 2026.
The project is being supported by Germany through its Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in partnership with Sierra Leone’s health authorities. This joint effort seeks to improve the country’s preparedness for future disease outbreaks and enhance the quality of care provided to children.
The planned isolation unit will provide specialised care for children suspected or confirmed to have infectious diseases, 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. This training will ensure that healthcare workers are equipped to provide high-quality care to children in the isolation unit.
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.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve the country’s preparedness for future disease outbreaks and ensure that children receive timely, safe, and compassionate care during public health emergencies. For Ola During Children’s Hospital, the project is expected to provide additional capacity to protect and treat children requiring isolation and specialised care.
The Government of Sierra Leone and its German partners view the initiative as a crucial step towards strengthening the country’s health system. The project aligns with their shared goal of providing high-quality healthcare services that recognise the emotional and psychosocial needs of children, particularly during public health emergencies.
Key points
- The project aims to strengthen specialised care for children during disease outbreaks.
- The isolation unit will provide a safer and more supportive environment for young patients and their families.
- The project will strengthen the capacity of healthcare workers and hospital management systems.
