Freetown, 22nd September, 2026 – Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, has reaffirmed her commitment to improving child healthcare following a high‑level meeting with Her Excellency Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye.
The meeting focused on the timeline and progress of the 150‑bed pediatric hospital currently under construction in Bo, a project being implemented in partnership with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).
Dr. Bio described the initiative as deeply personal, stressing that no child in Sierra Leone should be denied quality healthcare because of geography or circumstance. The hospital, once completed, will serve children and families across the Southern Region, providing specialized pediatric care closer to home and strengthening Sierra Leone’s medical capacity.
“This project represents hope, dignity, and a better future for our children,” she said, expressing profound gratitude to Mrs. Erdoğan, the Government, and the people of Türkiye for their friendship and continued support.
The First Lady emphasized that the partnership between Sierra Leone and Türkiye is a powerful example of how international cooperation can deliver tangible opportunities and transform lives.
For Sierra Leone, she noted, the hospital is more than infrastructure – it is an investment in children, families, and the nation’s future.
