Since December 2020, Orange SL Foundation, in collaboration with the Mama-Pikin Foundation, CAP at Columbia University, and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, has led a transformative maternal and neonatal health initiative in Sierra Leone’s most vulnerable communities.
Backed by funding from Orange SL, this effort addresses the country’s persistent challenge of high maternal and neonatal mortality rates.
According to official Government of Sierra Leone data, maternal mortality stood at 717 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019. However, with increased investments and targeted interventions, the figure declined to 354 per 100,000 by 2023 a major improvement, but still among the highest globally.
Many of these deaths remain preventable, often linked to delays in accessing skilled care, poor health infrastructure, and a high rate of home deliveries.
From Pilot to National Impact: Launched in Kossoh Community, the pilot phase of the “Safeguarding Maternal Health Project” focused on holistic care from pregnancy to delivery and postnatal support. Key interventions of Orange and its implementing partner has included:
– Medical screening booths
– Infection prevention and control
– Health education and promotion
– Women’s care linkage
– Provision of baby care kits
After a year, Kossoh recorded a marked reduction in maternal deaths, prompting a full-scale expansion of the project in March 2024.
2020–2024 Achievements:
– Over 12 communities reached across rural and urban districts
– Over 20,000 mothers supported with safe delivery kits
– Introduction of facility-based care incentives to reduce home births
– Strengthened referral systems and improved health center capacities
Delivery Bucket Program: Encouraging Safer Births: The Mama-Pikin Foundation also scaled its impactful Delivery Bucket Program, supplying essential birth kits to pregnant women delivering at health facilities.
Each bucket contains basic hygiene and baby care items that support safe and dignified deliveries. Since early 2024, more than 20,000 delivery buckets have been distributed across targeted communities.
Communities Served Include:
-MMPS Hospital, Masongbo & Panlap CHCs (Makeni)
– Sewafe CHC (Kono), Hangha CHC (Kenema)
– York Village, Grafton, Kossoh Town (Western Area)
– Kailahun, Legbogbor, and Kondembaia (Northern Province)
Public-Private Partnership for National Progress: This initiative underscores the power of public-private partnerships in saving lives. Orange SL Foundation remains deeply committed to supporting national health goals and building healthier futures for Sierra Leonean women and children.
We extend sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Mama-Pikin Foundation, and all partners for their continued dedication to this vital cause.
In a significant step towards strengthening healthcare delivery in rural Sierra Leone, Orange Sierra Leone has officially turn sod for the construction of a fully-funded health centre in Wai Village, Soro Gbeima Chiefdom, Pujehun District, Southern Province of Sierra Leone.
The symbolic turning of the sod ceremony was held on Wednesday, 16th April 2025, and brought together government officials, local authorities, development partners, and community stakeholders. The project, spearheaded and financed entirely by Orange Sierra Leone, aims to improve access to quality healthcare services for residents of the chiefdom and surrounding communities.
In his welcome address on behalf of the paramount chief of the chiefdom, Augustine Jah Zoker, Chiefdom Speaker, Soro Gbeima Chiefdom, described the initiative as a life-changing investment for the people of Wai and neighboring villages, all of which have long struggled with access to basic healthcare services.
“This health centre will not only serve the residents of Wai Village but also support surrounding communities in the chiefdom,” he stated. “It is a major step toward solving the long-standing health challenges our people have endured.”
He noted that the only existing health centre in Wai was severely under-resourced, lacking both equipment and personnel to effectively cater to the growing population. As a result, residents often had to travel long distances to seek medical attention in larger towns, a situation he described as unacceptable in the modern era. Zoker also acknowledged the strong community loyalty to Orange Sierra Leone, revealing that a majority of residents in the area are already subscribers to the network.
“Let me proudly inform Orange Sierra Leone that most of our people here are using your services. With this remarkable support to our community, we assure you that we will continue to support your brand. You are not just a company to us anymore you are a trusted partner in our development journey.”
Sheikh Hussein Feika, speaking on behalf of his elder brother Sheikh Feika Salim, Chief of Staff in the Office of the First Lady, expressed deep appreciation to Orange Sierra Leone for its commitment to enhancing healthcare in the chiefdom.
Feika revealed that his brother, Sheikh Feika Salim, had played a vital role in advocating for the project on behalf of the community through the Office of the First Lady. He noted that the successful lobbying effort resulted in the selection of Wai Village for the construction of the facility.
“For years, the people of Wai Village and neighboring communities have struggled with access to proper healthcare,” Feika said. “Pregnant women, in particular, face great risks, as they are often forced to travel over 100 miles to Pujehun Township to access better-equipped medical facilities. Sadly, many are forced to give birth along the highway, putting both mothers and newborns at serious risk.”
Feika emphasized that the construction of the health centre would be a transformational development for the area, improving health outcomes and saving lives, especially for vulnerable women and children.
Despite the joyous occasion, he mentioned that the community was mourning the recent loss of a beloved resident Ign. Munda Emmanuel Rogers, which slightly overshadowed the celebration. However, due to the significance of the project for the future of the village, the event proceeded as planned.
He concluded by noting that the new health centre when completed will bring relief to thousands of residents in Wai and surrounding villages who have long faced challenges in accessing timely and quality healthcare.
On his part, Sekou Amadou Bah, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, emphasized that the project is more than just the construction of a building it is a commitment to hope, dignity, and a healthier future.
“Today, we are not only building walls. We are building hope. We are building dignity. We are building a healthier future for every man, woman, and child of this region,” Mr. Bah declared. “At Orange Sierra Leone, we believe true development is about impact supporting communities, empowering individuals, and transforming lives.”
Bah noted that Orange’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework rests on three core pillars: health, education, and culture. He highlighted that this health centre stands as a living testament to the company’s promise to make healthcare a right for all, not a privilege for a few.
CEO further stressed that a truly healthy community must also be educated and culturally enriched. “That is why, across the country, we are investing in schools, supporting digital learning, and promoting Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage,” he added.
The construction of the Wai Village Health Centre is the result of a collaborative vision supported by the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Health, and local leadership. Bah extended appreciation to all stakeholders involved in bringing the project to life, including planners, architects, and the future medical personnel who will serve the facility.
“To the people of Wai Town, this is your project. This is your future. Orange is here not only as a company but as a partner investing in your health, your learning, and your legacy,” Bah concluded.
In his keynote address, Dr. Charles Senessie, Deputy Minister I of Health and Sanitation, lauded Orange Sierra Leone for their support to rural healthcare through the turning of the sod for the construction of a new health centre in Wai Village, Soro Gbeima Chiefdom, fully funded by the company which he described the project as a vital step in complementing the government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery across the country.
“Government alone cannot do everything,” he said. “We rely on partnerships with the private sector, and Orange is demonstrating a commendable commitment to national development.”
Dr. Senessie explained that the Ministry of Health has adopted a comprehensive, life-saving approach to healthcare that addresses the needs of individuals from pregnancy to old age, instead of focusing on isolated issues.
He emphasized that improving access to health facilities remains a top priority, and the construction of the health centre in Wai Village is aligned with that goal. He also revealed that the Ministry is pursuing an overall strategy to improve quality of life, which is anchored on four key pillars: infrastructure, human resources, medication, and laboratory services.
“Orange Sierra Leone is helping us address one of those key pillars infrastructures,” he noted. “And this will also help complement the other areas such as laboratory services and availability of medication.” Highlighting the impact of improved health infrastructure, Dr. Senessie shared that Sierra Leone has recorded a significant drop in maternal mortality rates.
“In 2014, our maternal mortality rate stood at nearly 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births. Today, I’m pleased to say we’ve reduced that figure to about 354 per 100,000. That is a major achievement,” he said.
He concluded by stating that the construction of the new health centre in Wai Village will further contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality in the region and enhance access to quality healthcare for surrounding communities.
The project marks a critical milestone in Orange Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to bridge healthcare gaps and uplift underserved communities across the country. The event ended with the officially turning of the sod by key dignitaries present.
This advert serves to notify interested and/or affected persons/parties of the Environmental Social Health Impact Assessment was conducted for the Long Lush (SL) LTD, Freetown Sierra Leone.
In conformity with the Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Agency Act 2008, the LONG LUSH (SL) LTD Project needs to be planned and designed in a manner that minimizes potential negative social and environmental impacts.
This is expected to be achieved through the ESHIA Process that was undertaken by Geomining Consultancy (SL) Ltd.
The Environmental Social Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) report has been presented to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-SL) to be presented to the affected and interested stakeholders during the public disclosure processes for discussion.
Geomining Consultancy, EPA – SL and Long Lush Group (SL) Ltd, propose to conduct stakeholder engagement process at the following locations and dates: Babatok Village, Upper Banta Chiefdom, Moyamba District on 12th January 2024
Senuhun Village, Bagruwa Chiefdom, Moyamba District on 13th January 2024
The report is now available for reference purposes at any time at the following locations:
The Environmental Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) office, 92 Dundas street, Brookfield, Freetown;
Long Lush (SL) Ltd, 65 Siaka Steven Street Freetown
Geomining Consultancy at 33 Victoria Street Freetown.
Stakeholders and/or interested person/parties are invited to participate in the consultation process for the Public Disclosure processes at the above-mentioned locations.
Your input and any issues or insights that you may have regarding the projects will be valuable.
Comments can be submitted verbally at the Stakeholder’s workshop or written format. Written comments must be sent to the following contacts below.
We look forward to your participation in the consultation and disclosure process.
