A study conducted by the Ministry of Health in 2022 reports that, 39% of maternal deaths in Bombali district are as a resulted of Postpartum (Post-delivery) Haemorrhage (Bleeding) among pregnant women and new-born babies.
This staggering report became a concern for the ministry as well as partners whose thematic areas center on quality healthcare services.
With funds from Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, a state of the art blood transfusion center has been setup at Makeni Regional Hospital.
A project implemented by Italian Association for Solidarity Among People – AISPO, it is meant to address the perennial problem of not having a modern blood transfusion facility in Bombali district and the northern region as a whole.
AISPO Country Director – Dr. Francesco Aloi said, the completion of this project is a testament of the development cooperation between the Italian Government and the people of Sierra Leone.
He emphasized on the long existing relationship between the two countries – stating Italy’s commitment around the world especially in Sierra Leone in rebranding the health sector.
Bombali District Medical Officer, Dr. Joseph Sylvanus Bangura gave statistics on maternal deaths through a study the ministry of health conducted in 2022.
He confirmed that, 39% of maternal deaths in the district are closely connected with postpartum haemorrhage or loss of blood.
With the state of the art blood transfusion center, Dr. Bangura assured donors that, this would positively reduce maternal deaths that are related to loss of blood.
Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby said the importance of a blood transfusion center in this part of the country cannot be over emphasized – as this facility would help to address problems like Anaemia, Postpartum Haemorrhage etc.., especially among pregnant women and new-born babies.
He therefore stressed on the need for community ownership and involvement so that the facility would be sustainable. Dr. Demby spoke on government commitment to set up similar facility in almost every region so that deaths related to loss of blood especially maternal deaths would be reduced drastically. With the blood transfusion center in Makeni, the minister said that it would serve as a hub not only for Makeni but the northern region as a whole.
The opening ceremony of this center was witnessed by several stakeholders including donor and implementing partners, traditional leaders, health officials and members of local government.
Dr. Mohamed M.B Sisay – on behalf of the people of Bombali district thanked the Italian Government to address a challenge that has affected lots of lives. He therefore urged residents of Bombali and the region entire to donate blood voluntarily so that the transfusion center would be up and running at all time.
