By Fatima Kpaka
Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone – December 13, 2025: Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has paid an official visit to Masanga Teaching Hospital, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery, advancing partnerships, and ensuring the hospital’s smooth transition to full government ownership.
The visit brought together hospital management, development partners, community leaders, and local authorities to review progress and discuss priority needs in healthcare services.
Welcoming the Chief Minister, Samuel Mathew Sankoh provided a brief history of the hospital. He explained that Masanga Teaching Hospital was handed over to the Government in 1954 and officially opened in 1960. Originally established as a leprosy treatment center in Mabontor Town, the facility was later relocated to Masanga Town with the support of Paramount Chief Masanka Kanamanka.
In his presentation, Medical Superintendent Dr. Alie Seth Bangura highlighted the hospital’s operational capacity, staffing situation, and its three core pillars—healthcare, education, and research. He emphasized Masanga’s role as a national referral center, contributing to the training of health professionals and advancing locally relevant research.
Speaking on behalf of development partners, Dr. Jonathan of the AFAS Foundation reaffirmed partner commitment while stressing sustainability. He noted that while external partners have provided strong support, the planned transition will see the Government assume full control of the hospital by next year, ensuring continuity of services despite challenges such as limited nursing staff.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Minister Dr. Sengeh commended hospital management, partners, and the Masanga community for fostering strong partnerships and shared responsibility. He assured stakeholders of government readiness to take full ownership of the hospital and pledged to address critical needs including electricity, water supply, road access, and continued support for leprosy patients.
Dr. Sengeh emphasized that the visit reflects the Government’s commitment to inclusive development and aligns with the Big Five Game Changers, particularly in strengthening healthcare systems, human capital development, and service delivery.
The visit reaffirmed both government and partner commitment to ensuring that Masanga Teaching Hospital remains a resilient, people-centered institution capable of delivering quality healthcare and supporting Sierra Leone’s national development priorities.