The Ministry of Health in Sierra Leone has commissioned the renovated Yengema Community Health Centre in Nimikoro Chiefdom, Kono District. This is the third health facility renovated and handed over in three months as part of efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery across the country. The rehabilitation works included the expansion of the labour room, installation of running water, steel doors and a perimeter fence.
The newly rehabilitated facility is expected to improve access to essential healthcare services, including consultations, maternal and child health services, laboratory testing, medicines and referrals. The facility now has tiled floors, air conditioning and improved staff quarters. Additional medical equipment and supplies, including delivery beds, observation beds, cots and an ultrasound machine, have also been provided to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services.
For years, residents of Yengema and eight surrounding communities relied on a health facility operating under difficult conditions, including overcrowded rooms, lack of running water and inadequate security due to damaged doors and an unfenced compound. The renovated centre is expected to serve a population of 7,496 people, with Koidu Government Hospital approximately 20 minutes away for patients requiring more specialised medical attention.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, one of the community chiefs recalled the challenges residents previously faced in accessing healthcare, expressing appreciation for the improved facility. The chief said that before the renovation, residents had to wait and worry about accessing healthcare, but now help is available. The Ministry of Health expects the facility to further strengthen healthcare delivery and improve access to quality services for residents.
The rehabilitation also supports the Ministry of Health's 300 Days of Activism for Triple Zero campaign, which seeks to achieve zero preventable maternal deaths, zero preventable child deaths and zero zero-dose children. Between October 2025 and September 2026, the facility recorded 363 first antenatal care visits, supported 309 deliveries, fully immunised 244 children and administered the HPV vaccine to 201 girls.
The Ministry of Health expressed appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio, Minister Austin Demby, their partners, the health workers at Yengema Community Health Centre, community leaders and all those who contributed to the rehabilitation project. The Ministry also encouraged pregnant women in Yengema and surrounding communities to attend antenatal appointments, deliver at the health facility and ensure their children receive all recommended vaccinations.
Yengema Community Health Centre currently has eight health workers who continue to provide essential services to the surrounding communities. With the improved infrastructure and additional equipment, the Ministry expects the facility to continue to provide quality healthcare services to residents. The Ministry of Health has also commissioned the rehabilitation of other health facilities, including Goderich Community Health Centre in Freetown and Gbondapi Community Health Centre in Pujehun District.
Key points
- The renovated Yengema Community Health Centre is expected to serve a population of 7,496 people.
- The rehabilitation works included the expansion of the labour room, installation of running water, steel doors and a perimeter fence.
- The facility now has tiled floors, air conditioning and improved staff quarters, and additional medical equipment and supplies have been provided.
