The Maternal Center of Excellence (MCOE), a newly constructed facility within the Koidu Government Hospital in Kono, stands as a groundbreaking achievement in Sierra Leone’s efforts to improve maternal and child healthcare. Designed and built in close partnership with the Build Health International (BHI) and Partners In Health (PIH), the state-of the-art facility is already making an impact not just medically, but also socially and economically.
Beyond providing exceptional clinical services, the MCOE is set to become a regional hub for training healthcare workers, focusing on sustainable, patient-centered care that prioritizes dignity and accessibility. It is designed to serve women and children across Sierra Leone and neighbouring countries. The first phase of the project includes the completion of the North Ward, South Ward, and Birthing Center, with the outpatient department scheduled to open in early January 2026.
While the MCOE will be saving lives, it is now transforming lives, especially the lives of women working in its construction. One of these women is Success Diana Komba, a Quality Control and Layout Officer from Motema Village, breaking gender barriers in what is traditionally a male dominated field. Before joining BHI, Success sold cassava salad to school children to make ends meet, often running at a loss.
“Sometimes I wouldn’t even sell everything, and even though the business was small, I would end up losing money,” she recalled. Her life took a different path when she joined the Build Health International as a labourer, initially tasked with moving iron rods and construction materials. Over time, she was trained in layout and how to interface with construction plans.
Now supervising her colleagues in block laying and layout, Success says her journey with BHI has transformed her life. “Working for Build Health International has empowered me. I can now read construction plans, do block work, steel bending, and layout. It’s more than a job it’s an education,” she said proudly. Today, she supports her younger siblings both financially and emotionally.
Before her employment with BHI, Success said her voice was barely heard at home. “Now, if there’s a family meeting at 4 p.m. and I’m still at work, they will wait until 6 p.m. for me to get back. That did not use to happen before,” she said. She disclosed that her goal now is to continue learning and further her studies in construction.
Florence Saffea, a mother of three from Weiyon Village in Kono, shares a similar story. Formerly a security guard, Florence became the first female construction worker for BHI in the region. She started as a labourer and is now a trained Mason and Welder, earning respect and stability.
“Life is more comfortable now,” she said. “BHI has blessed me with knowledge I never thought I could have. As the firstborn in my family, I was never taken seriously, but now I can take care of my children and support my family,” she stated. Florence encourages other women to pursue their dreams. “No dream is too big. I’m living proof that if you want change, God will help you achieve it,” she testified.
Despite challenges like lifting heavy blocks and equipment, Florence said focus and determination helped her succeed. Her next goal is to get formally certified in construction, especially welding, to further her professional development
Meanwhile, Adama Kamara, who is seven months pregnant expecting her first child, shared her excitement about the opening of the MCOE. “For a long time, we have been struggling with proper maternal care. Women had to travel far or give birth at home in unsafe conditions. This center gives me hope that my baby and I will be safe,” she said.
Adama pointed out that the biggest barriers to safe delivery have been distance, cost, and lack of trained staff. “Sometimes, there’s no transport especially at night. Even when you reach a clinic, they might not have the right equipment or anyone qualified to help. Some women die because help comes too late,” she revealed.
Now, with the MCOE nearing full operation, pregnant women in Kono like Adama are optimistic. They look forward to clean facilities, skilled midwives, and timely emergency care. More than a health center, the MCOE symbolizes hope, progress, and dignity for women who have long been underserved.
The partnership between Build Health International and Partners In Health is not just about building infrastructure, it is also building futures. From empowering women in construction to improving maternal care, their work is proving that healthcare development can uplift communities, especially the women who have always been at the heart of them.
By Desmond Isaac Macauley
