Upgrading Freetown's Health Infrastructure: Mayor Aki-Sawyerr's Initiative to Boost Maternal Care

Strategic Insights -

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown City Council has launched a project to enhance the capacity of two peripheral health units (PHUs) in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The upgrade aims to alleviate pressure on major maternal and new-born hospitals, with a focus on providing basic emergency maternal obstetric natal care (BEMONC). The project will involve increasing bed capacity, creating dedicated spaces for maternal and new-born health services, and ensuring uninterrupted power and water supply. This initiative is part of the Council's #TransformFreetown target to reduce maternal mortality in Freetown by 40%.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Mayor has commissioned a project to upgrade two PHUs to BEMONCs, with Grey Bush becoming a BEMONC and Ross Road's existing BEMONC being expanded.
  • The upgrade will increase bed capacity for maternal and postnatal care, provide separate rooms or designated spaces for maternal and new-born health services, and ensure uninterrupted power and water supply.
  • The project aims to relieve pressure on major maternal and new-born hospitals at a time when COVID-19 continues to strain Freetown's healthcare sector.
  • The health facilities are expected to be completed within 3 months, with the project being funded by the European Union as part of their #EUStandsWithSalone support to the Council's COVID-19 response.
  • The project will contribute to the FCC's #TransformFreetown target to reduce maternal mortality in Freetown by 40%.
  • Three additional PHUs will be rehabilitated and upgraded to BEMONCs this year.

Statistics:

  • The project aims to reduce maternal mortality in Freetown by 40% through the upgrade of PHUs.
  • The health facilities are expected to be completed within 3 months upon commencement of the project.
  • The project is being funded by the European Union as part of their #EUStandsWithSalone support to the Council's COVID-19 response.
  • Three additional PHUs will be rehabilitated and upgraded to BEMONCs this year as part of the FCC's initiative.

Sources:

  • Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Freetown City Council
  • European Union, #EUStandsWithSalone