Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services, MoH

Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services, MoH Partnering for better health outcomes.

We are a Directorate under the Ministry of Health, Sierra Leone, committed to improving hospital care, emergency services, and ambulance response systems across the country.

HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONSThe Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services warmly congratulates Dr. med Mustapha Sundif...
12/08/2026

HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS

The Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services warmly congratulates Dr. med Mustapha Sundifu Kabba, MBChB, FCPS (SL), German Certified, on his appointment as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Ministry of Health, Sierra Leone.

Dr. Kabba is a distinguished Consultant General and Visceral Surgeon & Proctologist, Chairman of the Medical Board of Sierra Leone, and Commander of the Order of the Rokel (COR).

Having previously served as Deputy Chief Medical Officer – Clinical Services, Dr. Kabba demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to strengthening clinical governance, improving clinical efficiencies across hospitals, and advancing the quality and safety of healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone. His appointment as Chief Medical Officer is a testament to his wealth of experience, professional excellence, dedication, and commitment to the advancement of the nation’s health sector.

As he assumes this important national responsibility, we are confident that his leadership, expertise, and vision will continue to drive improvements in clinical services and contribute meaningfully to the transformation of healthcare delivery across Sierra Leone.

Congratulations once again, Dr. Kabba!

May God grant you wisdom, strength, and continued success as you take on this new responsibility.

Medical Equipment Technicians Complete First-of-Its-Kind Biomedical Technology ProgrammeSaturday, 8th August 2026 | Free...
09/08/2026

Medical Equipment Technicians Complete First-of-Its-Kind Biomedical Technology Programme

Saturday, 8th August 2026 | Freetown

Medical Equipment Technicians from the Biomedical Unit of the Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services (DHAS), Ministry of Health, have completed a groundbreaking Biomedical Technology Certificate Programme offered by the University of Sierra Leone.

A total of 60 Medical Equipment Technicians enrolled in the programme in October 2025, with participants sitting their final examinations in June 2026. The technicians are currently awaiting the release of their final results. The programme was delivered through the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) and Fourah Bay College (FBC), bringing together expertise from the health sciences and engineering disciplines.

The programme was made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health and the University of Sierra Leone, with support from key partners including UNICEF, Mercy Ships, Partners In Health (PIH), FCDO, CHAI, JHPIEGO, and other development partners. The initiative was designed to strengthen the scientific and technical knowledge of Medical Equipment Technicians and equip them with competencies needed to support the growing demands of healthcare facilities across Sierra Leone.

The training brought together lecturers from the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science and Diagnostics at COMAHS and the Faculty of Engineering at FBC. Participants were exposed to a combination of lectures, classroom discussions, practical demonstrations, group presentations, and assignments. Each student was also required to complete a practical logbook to demonstrate their competencies and ability to provide high-quality biomedical technical services.

The completion of the programme marks an important milestone in strengthening Sierra Leone’s medical equipment maintenance and biomedical technology workforce. With better-trained technicians available to maintain, troubleshoot and support medical equipment, the initiative is expected to contribute to improved equipment functionality, reduced downtime, patient safety, and more reliable healthcare services at all levels. The Ministry of Health remains committed to investing in the continuous professional development of its technical workforce as part of broader efforts to build a resilient and sustainable health system.

©️ Media & Communications Unit, DHAS

Ministry of Health Concludes Two-Day Refresher Training for Hospital Secretaries NationwideThe Ministry of Health has su...
08/08/2026

Ministry of Health Concludes Two-Day Refresher Training for Hospital Secretaries Nationwide

The Ministry of Health has successfully concluded a two-day refresher training for Hospital Secretaries from government hospitals across Sierra Leone, held at the Seed Hall, Bo Government Hospital, from Friday 7th to Saturday 8th August 2026. Held under the theme “Strengthening Administrative Leadership, Professionalism and Coordination in Government,” the training brought together Hospital Secretaries to strengthen their administrative knowledge, enhance professional competencies, and promote efficient and quality administrative services across government hospitals.

Delivering the keynote address, Senior Permanent Secretary Mr. Andrew Sorie described Hospital Secretaries as the administrative backbone of government hospitals, emphasizing that effective clinical services depend on strong administration. He urged participants to see themselves not merely as record keepers or minute takers, but as administrative leaders responsible for maintaining order, driving accountability, supporting Medical Superintendents, and coordinating clinical, human resources, finance, and Ministry-related activities. He stressed that professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, punctuality, continuous learning, and adherence to public service regulations must remain non-negotiable.

Mr. Sorie further emphasized the importance of effective coordination within hospitals and with partners, noting that Hospital Secretaries serve as a critical administrative link between hospital units, the Ministry, development partners, and community stakeholders. He announced that the Ministry will strengthen performance monitoring through regular supervision and scorecards, while continuing to build the capacity of hospital administrators in areas including leadership, records management, and e-health systems. He also disclosed that the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) is preparing to recruit additional Hospital Secretaries who will be posted to government hospitals as Hospital Secretaries-in-Training, with substantive Hospital Secretaries expected to serve as preceptors.

The Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services, Mr. Ibrahim Foday-Musa, challenged participants to understand their roles, remain available and punctual, communicate appropriately, develop the necessary professional skills, maintain confidence and professionalism, and ensure that their facilities operate in an orderly manner. The Deputy Director for Human Resources for Health, Mr. Selieu, emphasized regular engagement with unit heads, proper communication, updated medical and administrative reports, monitoring of human resource systems including attendance, effective management of auxiliary staff, sound financial management, and strong supply chain coordination. The Deputy Secretary at HRMO, reinforced the importance of integrity, impartiality, accountability, professionalism, confidentiality, respect, and strict adherence to Civil Service codes and ethics, while cautioning against corruption, abuse of office, misuse of government property, and political interference in the ex*****on of official duties.

The training concluded with Hospital Secretaries sharing their experiences, achievements, and positive changes made since taking up their respective positions. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening hospital administration as a critical component of quality healthcare delivery. Participants were encouraged to return to their respective facilities as engines of order, discipline, accountability, and effective service delivery, working collaboratively with hospital management and staff to build government hospitals that the people of Sierra Leone can trust and be proud of.

©️ Media & Communications Unit, DHAS

Ministry of Health Strengthens Laboratory, Diagnostic and Blood Services Through Strategic Leadership EngagementOn Wedne...
06/08/2026

Ministry of Health Strengthens Laboratory, Diagnostic and Blood Services Through Strategic Leadership Engagement

On Wednesday the 5th August, 2026, the leadership of the Ministry of Health, led by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sartie M. Kenneh, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer – Clinical Services, Dr. med Mustapha S. Kabba, and the Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services, Mr. Ibrahim Foday-Musa, held a strategic engagement with the newly appointed Director and Programme Manager of the Directorate of Laboratory, Diagnostic and Blood Services, Dr. Donald Grant and Dr. Samuel Williams, respectively. The meeting brought together senior officials from the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), the National Public Health Laboratory Network, National Blood Services, Biomedical Services, and the National Biobank Programme to discuss priorities for strengthening laboratory diagnostics, blood services, and biomedical research in Sierra Leone.

Delivering his opening remarks, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sartie M. Kenneh emphasized the need for stronger coordination and integration of laboratory services, diagnostics, blood services, and biobanking to improve patient care and strengthen the national health system. He highlighted blood services as an immediate priority, calling for sustainable strategies to improve blood availability, strengthen blood banking systems, and expand access to safe blood transfusions across the country. The CMO also underscored the strategic importance of the National Biobank in advancing medical research and innovation, encouraging stronger collaboration with regulatory institutions and development partners to establish robust policies governing biological samples and biomedical research.

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer – Clinical Services, Dr. med Mustapha S. Kabba, urged the new leadership to adopt a structured and strategic approach by developing a five-year vision and operational roadmap for the Directorate. He encouraged comprehensive assessments of existing laboratory systems to build on previous achievements while addressing remaining gaps. Dr. Kabba also highlighted the importance of strengthening public laboratory services through sustainable financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, and called for closer collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Agency, hospitals, district health management teams, and other key stakeholders to ensure an integrated national laboratory system.

The newly appointed Programme Manager for Clinical Services, Dr. Samuel Williams, described the appointment as an opportunity to transform laboratory services through stronger collaboration, innovation, and expanded access to quality diagnostics. Giving his statement, the appointed Director for laboratory, diagnostic and Blood Services, Dr. Donald Grant, reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening laboratory accreditation, expanding research, integrating disease-specific laboratory programmes, enhancing blood services, and reducing the need for patients to seek diagnostic services abroad. He pledged to unite stakeholders under a common vision to improve laboratory diagnostics and blood services for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans.

Discussions also focused on strengthening the National Biobank through improved infrastructure, staffing, reliable electricity, and stronger partnerships to support research and innovation. Participants acknowledged that sustainable laboratory services will require increased investment, grant funding, public-private partnerships, and coordinated leadership. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s diagnostic capacity, blood services, and biomedical research infrastructure, positioning the country to deliver more efficient, reliable, and patient-centred healthcare services.

©️ Media & Communications Unit, DHAS

06/08/2026

In today’s edition of our short video series on the 300 Days of Activism Campaign, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer-Clinical Services, Dr. med Mustapha S. Kabba speaks on hospital readiness to support the successful implementation of the remaining half of this national initiative.

06/08/2026

Nems Nems Coordinator Officially Launches “Give Way to Ambulance” Campaign to Promote Emergency Response Awareness

On Wednesday, 5th August 2026, the Coordinator of the National Emergency Medical Service (NEMS), Dr. Songor Koedoyoma, officially declared the “Give Way to Ambulance” campaign open, marking the beginning of a nationwide awareness drive aimed at improving public understanding and support for emergency ambulance services.
The campaign seeks to educate road users and communities on the importance of giving priority to ambulances responding to emergencies. It highlights that every second matters in emergency care and that allowing ambulances to move freely can make the difference between life and death for patients requiring urgent medical attention.

Speaking during a video recording, Dr. Koedoyoma emphasized the critical role of public cooperation in strengthening emergency medical response systems. He encouraged drivers, pedestrians, and all road users to understand the importance of creating clear pathways for ambulances so that emergency teams can reach patients quickly and provide timely care. The initiative forms part of NEMS’ broader efforts to improve emergency healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone by strengthening community awareness, reducing delays in patient transportation, and ensuring that emergency medical teams can operate effectively.

The National Emergency Medical Service continues to call on all citizens to support the campaign by adopting responsible road practices and remembering the message: “Give Way to Ambulance — Every Second Saves a Life.”

©️ Media & Communications Unit, DHAS

MOH ENGAGES CLINICAL & PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY LEADS NATIONWIDE AS NEW LEADERSHIP OUTLINES VISION FOR TRANSFORMING LABO...
06/08/2026

MOH ENGAGES CLINICAL & PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY LEADS NATIONWIDE AS NEW LEADERSHIP OUTLINES VISION FOR TRANSFORMING LABORATORY, DIAGNOSTIC AND BLOOD SERVICES

The Ministry of Health today, Thursday 6 August 2026, engaged laboratory leads from clinical and public health across Sierra Leone in a high-level meeting held at the MOH Conference Hall in Freetown to discuss the future direction, leadership, and strengthening of laboratory, diagnostic, and blood services. The meeting brought together laboratory leads from Western Urban and Western Rural Areas physically, while colleagues from provincial hospitals and those outside the country participated virtually. The engagement provided an opportunity for the Ministry’s leadership to share its vision for a more coordinated, resilient, and quality-driven laboratory system while formally introducing the newly appointed leadership of the Directorate of Laboratory, Diagnostic and Blood Services.

Addressing participants, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer – Clinical Services, Dr. med Mustapha Sundifu Kabba, welcomed laboratory professionals and officially announced the appointment of Dr. Donald Grant as Director of Laboratory, Diagnostic and Blood Services and Dr. Samuel Williams as Programme Manager for Laboratory Services. He explained that the appointments followed extensive consultations by the Ministry’s leadership to address longstanding leadership and coordination challenges within laboratory services and to provide clear governance and direction for the sector. Dr. Kabba commended laboratory professionals for their dedication and sacrifices over the years, noting that many of the challenges faced by the sector were not due to a lack of commitment but rather gaps in leadership, coordination, and system organization. He called on all laboratory professionals to unite behind the new leadership, emphasizing that the success of the new Director and Programme Manager would be the success of the entire laboratory workforce.

Dr. Kabba further highlighted the critical role of laboratory and diagnostic services in healthcare delivery, noting that accurate laboratory results are essential for clinical decision-making, disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, and emergency response. He encouraged laboratory professionals to embrace teamwork, professionalism, accountability, research, innovation, and continuous professional development. He also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving staff welfare, career progression, promotions, and working conditions, while highlighting ongoing investments in laboratory infrastructure, modernization of services, partnerships, and advanced diagnostic equipment aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and reducing the need for patients to seek specialized testing outside the country.

Speaking virtually, the Programme Manager for the Public Health Laboratory Network, Madam Doris Harding, welcomed all participants and expressed appreciation for their commitment and participation in the meeting. She extended special recognition to the newly appointed Director of Laboratory, Diagnostic and Blood Services and the Clinical Laboratory leadership, acknowledging the importance of their roles in advancing laboratory services in Sierra Leone. Madam Harding thanked the Ministry’s leadership for the inspiring remarks and for recognizing the valuable contribution of laboratory professionals to healthcare delivery. She expressed confidence that the experience, vision, and leadership of Dr. Grant and the new leadership team would contribute to improved service delivery, innovation, quality assurance, and professionalism across the laboratory system. She encouraged laboratory staff to actively participate in the transformation process by sharing ideas, contributing to decision-making, working collaboratively, and developing practical solutions to strengthen teamwork and coordination within the sector.

Speaking on behalf of the new leadership, Dr. Samuel Williams, Programme Manager for Laboratory Services, expressed appreciation to the Ministry for the confidence placed in him and described the appointment as an opportunity to bring renewed energy and collaboration into the laboratory sector. He acknowledged the important role laboratory professionals play as the backbone of healthcare delivery, providing the evidence needed by clinicians to make informed decisions. Dr. Williams pledged to work closely with laboratory teams across the country, listen to their concerns, support capacity building, and promote the decentralization of diagnostic services to ensure that communities, including those in remote areas, have improved access to quality laboratory testing.

Delivering his remarks, the newly appointed Director of Laboratory, Diagnostic and Blood Services, Dr. Donald Grant, expressed gratitude to the Ministry’s leadership and recognized the significant contributions made by laboratory professionals over the years. He outlined his vision of building a unified, resilient, and internationally recognized laboratory system driven by teamwork, quality improvement, research, innovation, and collaboration across clinical laboratories, public health laboratories, biobanks, and blood services. The Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services, Mr. Ibrahim Foday-Musa, congratulated Dr. Grant and Dr. Williams and assured them of the Directorate’s support as they lead the transformation agenda. Participants, including Dr. Jude Williams, Programme Manager for the Biobank, and Senior Laboratory Scientist Mr. Allen Campbell, welcomed the new leadership and emphasized the importance of research, professional development, and collective responsibility in strengthening Sierra Leone’s laboratory system. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to building a stronger, integrated, and high-performing laboratory network that will improve quality healthcare delivery for the people of Sierra Leone.

©️Media & Communications, DHAS

05/08/2026

“Together, we have achieved a 30% reduction in maternal mortality, a 14% reduction in infant mortality, and nearly 80% progress in reaching zero-dose children. These achievements demonstrate what is possible when we combine leadership, commitment, data, and collective action.”

Dr. Austin Demby
Minister of Health

Ministry of Health Records Significant Mid-Campaign Gains Under the Triple Zero InitiativeThe Ministry of Health has ann...
05/08/2026

Ministry of Health Records Significant Mid-Campaign Gains Under the Triple Zero Initiative

The Ministry of Health has announced remarkable progress in the implementation of the Triple Zero Initiative under the 300 Days of Activism for Maternal, Newborn and Child Survival, demonstrating that targeted, data-driven interventions and strengthened accountability are accelerating improvements in maternal and child health across Sierra Leone. The national campaign seeks to achieve zero preventable maternal deaths, zero preventable child deaths, and zero zero-dose children through coordinated action at every level of the health system.

Presenting the campaign’s mid-term performance, Dr. Francis Moses, the director for Reproduction and Child Health reported that 592 maternal lives have been saved compared to the same period in 2025, representing a 30.2% reduction in maternal deaths, while child mortality has declined by 14.4%. The campaign has also reached 79% of zero-dose children with routine immunization, bringing the country closer to eliminating missed childhood vaccinations. Fourteen of Sierra Leone’s sixteen districts have maintained or reduced maternal deaths, with notable improvements recorded in Tonkolili, Kono, Moyamba, Kailahun, and Bonthe. However, Bo and Western Area Urban remain priority districts requiring intensified interventions due to their higher burden of maternal and child mortality.

Dr. Moses highlighted that 98% of maternal deaths are preventable, with the leading causes identified as postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, sepsis, obstructed labour, uterine rupture, and anaemia. Significant progress has been achieved through strict adherence to clinical guidelines, strengthened emergency obstetric and newborn care, improved blood availability, increased ambulance referrals, expanded surgical capacity, enhanced supportive supervision, and stronger accountability mechanisms across health facilities. At the same time, child survival interventions continue to focus on reducing deaths from birth asphyxia, prematurity, sepsis, malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, malnutrition, and other preventable conditions through improved quality of care and routine mortality reviews.

Giving the Keynote address, the Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby commended healthcare workers, district health management teams, and development partners for demonstrating that preventable maternal and child deaths can be significantly reduced through disciplined implementation, data-driven decision-making, and collective accountability. He emphasized that healthcare should be viewed as an investment rather than an expenditure, noting that improved health outcomes represent the true return on investment. The Minister further called on all healthcare workers to embrace a culture of accountability where every preventable death is treated as unacceptable and every pregnancy and every child matters. He also urged development partners to strengthen their support as Sierra Leone continues to demonstrate measurable results under the campaign.

Looking ahead, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying interventions in high-burden districts and referral hospitals, strengthening primary healthcare services, improving referral systems, expanding specialist support, ensuring uninterrupted supplies of medicines, blood, laboratory services, and vaccines, and institutionalizing weekly data reviews and performance monitoring beyond the campaign period. The Ministry also reiterated its commitment to reaching every zero-dose child, strengthening community engagement, and sustaining the gains achieved to ensure that every mother survives pregnancy and childbirth, every child receives life-saving healthcare, and no preventable death is accepted as inevitable.

©️Media & Communications Unit, DHAS

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