Sierra Leone seeks UAE funding for medical campus
Health Minister Austin H. Demby discussed a proposed 300-bed referral hospital and training facilities with UAE counterpart Ahmed Bin Ali Al Sayegh.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Austin H. Demby, met with UAE Minister Ahmed Bin Ali Al Sayegh in Abu Dhabi to seek support for healthcare development. The talks focused on improving medical infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and maternal and child health. Demby highlighted Sierra Leone's progress, including a 32 per cent reduction in maternal mortality during a recent campaign.
Demby presented plans for the Jembe Medical Campus, which would include a 300-bed regional referral hospital and training for medical professionals. He sought strategic partners to finance and construct the facility to expand specialised care and strengthen the national health workforce. The UAE minister affirmed his country's commitment to continued cooperation.
The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit. Sierra Leone's Minister of Health was accompanied by Chief Medical Officer Dr. med Mustapha Sundifu Kabba and Ambassador Rashid Sesay. The UAE has previously supported Sierra Leone with a 100-bed field hospital and medical supplies.
Why it mattersSierra Leone's health sector will benefit from potential UAE investment in a new medical campus and training facilities.