AYV News, May 13, 2026
The Government of Sierra Leone and the Republic of Türkiye have signed a landmark agreement for the construction and furnishing of the Emine ErdoğanMother and Child Hospital in Bo City, in a move expected to significantly improve maternal and child healthcare services in the country.
The signing ceremony brought together senior government officials, representatives of the Turkish Government, development partners, and healthcare stakeholders.
The protocol was signed between the Office of the President of Sierra Leone and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), further strengthening diplomatic and development cooperation between Sierra Leone and Türkiye.
The project is inspired by the shared vision of Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, and Türkiye’s First Lady, Emine Erdoğan, and aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s Human Capital Development agenda aimed at improving healthcare, education, and social services.
According to details disclosed during the ceremony, the modern 2,000-square-metre healthcare facility will feature emergency services, operating theatres, specialized obstetric units, advanced neonatal intensive care units, antenatal and postnatal wards, as well as training facilities for healthcare professionals.
Welcoming guests at the event, the Secretary to the President described the initiative as a major milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Sierra Leone’s healthcare system and expand access to quality medical services.
TİKA’s Coordinator to Sierra Leone, MirzetMüezzinoğlu, reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to promoting equitable healthcare access, noting that sustainable development begins with the wellbeing of mothers and children. He added that the partnership would also support professional training and capacity-building opportunities for Sierra Leonean doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health described the agreement as “a declaration of hope, dignity and life,” emphasizing the urgent need to reduce maternal and infant mortality across the country.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Yusuf BurakRende, hailed the project as a historic symbol of friendship, solidarity, and shared development aspirations between the two nations.
Delivering the keynote address, First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio described the agreement as “the signing of a dream,” expressing optimism that the hospital would save lives and restore hope for thousands of families across Sierra Leone.
She also extended appreciation to the First Lady of Türkiye for her continued support toward improving healthcare services in Sierra Leone and thanked the Inspector General of Police for facilitating access to the land designated for the project.
The Emine Erdoğan Mother and Child Hospital project is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Sierra Leone and Türkiye in healthcare delivery, infrastructure development, and people-centered public service initiatives.
