AYV News, April 30, 2026
The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with international partners, has officially launched the Diego González Rivas Foundation Mobile Thoracic Surgery Programme in Kono district, marking a major milestone in the country’s healthcare delivery.
The launch was led by the Deputy Minister of Health I, Charles Senessie, alongside the DCMO-Clinical, Mustapha Kabba, and the Director of Hospitals and Ambulance Services, Ibrahim Foday-Musa. They were joined by the Minister of Local Government, Tamba Lamina.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Diego González Rivas Foundation, introduces a fully equipped mobile thoracic surgery unit—a specialized Mercedes-Benz AROCS 5 3340 truck—designed to deliver life-saving surgical services. The programme is expected to benefit residents of Kono District and neighbouring Guinea.
Chairing the ceremony, Dr. Mustapha Kabba described the initiative as a blessing for the people of Kono, noting that expert surgeons from Spain, Morocco, and China had chosen Sierra Leone to perform complex thoracic procedures.
The District Medical Officer, Dr. Sheku, highlighted ongoing improvements at Koidu Government Hospital, including uninterrupted electricity and water supply, availability of specialist surgeons, 52 midwives across the district, and seven functional ambulances. He, however, appealed for increased staff accommodation support.
Deputy Minister Prof. Senessie expressed government’s appreciation to the foundation and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the programme, while Minister Lamina officially launched the mobile theatre, describing it as a significant boost to healthcare services in the district.
The event was attended by traditional leaders, development partners, health volunteers, and members of the Kono Artists Union, who performed in appreciation of the initiative.
Following the ceremony, dignitaries toured the mobile facility, signaling a new chapter in specialized healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone.
