A Beacon of Hope
The Maternal Center of Excellence
Sierra Leone faces some of the highest maternal and newborn mortality in the world. And that is changing thanks to ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare systems.
Leveraging global design and construction expertise, through this project, Build Health International is advancing healthcare infrastructure.
Renderings of the final project
Renderings of the final project
Renderings of the final project
Renderings of the final project
Renderings of the final project
Renderings of the final project
The Maternal Center of Excellence (MCOE), which forms part of Koidu Government Hospital (KGH), stands as a landmark achievement in ongoing efforts to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes in the country.
This state-of-the-art facility, which was designed and built in close partnership by Build Health International and Partners In Health, not only provides exceptional clinical services but also serves as a regional hub for training healthcare workers.
By combining advanced medical services with a commitment to sustainability, dignity, and patient-centered care, the MCOE will transform healthcare access for women and children across Sierra Leone and neighboring countries.
In October 2022, construction began on what would become a transformative investment in maternal and newborn health in Sierra Leone.
Three years later, in October 2025, Build Health International stood alongside Partners In Health, the Government of Sierra Leone, and the Ministry of Health to officially inaugurate the Maternal Center of Excellence as a national maternal health facility.
On February 14th, 2026, the Maternal Center of Excellence welcomed its first patients. As services begin and capacity grows, the MCOE will expand access to safe delivery and specialized maternal services for women across the region. This facility represents a long-term investment in health system strengthening and a future where mothers and newborns in Sierra Leone receive high-quality, dignified care.
Jim Ansara, BHI Co-Founder and Managing Director, speaking at the Inaugural Ceremony in October 2025.
Jim Ansara, BHI Co-Founder and Managing Director, speaking at the Inaugural Ceremony in October 2025.
Jim Ansara, BHI Co-Founder and Managing Director, speaking at the Inaugural Ceremony in October 2025.
Jim Ansara, BHI Co-Founder and Managing Director, speaking at the Inaugural Ceremony in October 2025.
The BHI team at the ceremony.
The BHI team at the ceremony.
The BHI team at the ceremony.
The BHI team at the ceremony.
Preparing for the arrival of patients in February 2026.
Preparing for the arrival of patients in February 2026.
Preparing for the arrival of patients in February 2026.
Preparing for the arrival of patients in February 2026.
Site Overview
Construction on MCOE broke ground in October 2022.
The first phase of the project represents completion of North Ward, South Ward, and Birthing Center, with the Outpatient Department set to open in 2026.
Other site work includes a robust medical oxygen piping system and throughways that connect to Koidu Government Hospital.
South Ward
The South Ward is designed for critical care, as well as administrative spaces. This building includes a post-op ward, maternal critical care (an ICU specific to maternity care), staff on-call for inpatient needs, and meeting rooms and offices.
North Ward
The North Ward provides ample space for patients and staff at the hospital. There are antenatal and postnatal wards, as well as post-delivery care exam and consultation rooms, a loss ward (specific for mothers who have lost a baby to recover privately), and a staff ward/nurse's bay.
Birthing Center
This area will be available to expectant mothers seeking to give birth safely. Spaces include triage, labor and delivery, pre-Op/PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit), NICU (in-born and out-born, plus isolation), Kangaroo Care, a mother's dormitory, labor courtyard, staff on-call spaces for surgery and labor and delivery.
Outpatient Department
With expected completion in 2026, the OPD will include consultation/exam rooms, ultrasound, family planning consultation, adolescent youth family services, a blood bank, laboratory, and pharmacy.
Impact Numbers
Design Considerations
Energy Efficient and Climate Responsive
To reduce dependency on an unreliable grid, the facility integrates natural ventilation strategies, with backup from both utility and generator sources. Low louvers bring in cool air while high louvers and pitched roofs release hot air while ceiling fans support circulation. Large pitched and butterfly roofs over semi-enclosed waiting areas improve airflow and reduce heat buildup.
Due to the country’s heavy rainy season, all critical exterior pathways are covered to allow patients to access different areas without rain exposure.
Interior of the North Ward, which includes antenatal and postnatal wards, post-delivery counseling, a loss ward, and a staff courtyard.
Interior of the North Ward, which includes antenatal and postnatal wards, post-delivery counseling, a loss ward, and a staff courtyard.
Example of one of the exterior pathways that connect different buildings throughout the facility, protecting both patients and staff from adverse weather.
Example of one of the exterior pathways that connect different buildings throughout the facility, protecting both patients and staff from adverse weather.
At the peak of its construction, the construction workforce at MCOE was comprised of 65% women from the community of Kono.
At the peak of its construction, the construction workforce at MCOE was comprised of 65% women from the community of Kono.
At the peak of its construction, the construction workforce at MCOE was comprised of 65% women from the community of Kono.
At the peak of its construction, the construction workforce at MCOE was comprised of 65% women from the community of Kono.
Many workers at the site of MCOE construction have learned valuable leaderships skills and trades, with roles as electricians, welders, carpenters, and quality assurance managers.
Many workers at the site of MCOE construction have learned valuable leaderships skills and trades, with roles as electricians, welders, carpenters, and quality assurance managers.
Many workers at the site of MCOE construction have learned valuable leaderships skills and trades, with roles as electricians, welders, carpenters, and quality assurance managers.
Many workers at the site of MCOE construction have learned valuable leaderships skills and trades, with roles as electricians, welders, carpenters, and quality assurance managers.
Patient and Community-CEntered
Maternal and Neonatal Care Innovations
Recognizing long travel distances and limited transport options, a mother’s dormitory with outdoor kitchen was added so discharged mothers can remain close to their babies admitted to the NICU. Screen walls, dedicated stillbirth and loss wards, and discreet youth care areas uphold and enable privacy.
Infection Control
Wards include isolation rooms with private bathrooms and exterior entrances, with PPE anterooms for staff. The NICU is divided into two wain-born (babies delivered at the hospital) and out-born (babies referred from other facilities.)
Education and Community Engagement
Shaded seating and group gathering areas are designed to promote health education.
Community Impact
Laurent Sika
Director of Construction
Build Health International
“BHI’s major construction efforts at MCOE are generating employment, stimulating the local economy, and laying the groundwork for Kono’s development for decades to come. [The project is also] embedding workforce development and capacity-building training across both the construction phase and hospital operations to create a generational legacy that empowers this community from within.”
Isata Dumbaya
Director of Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health
Partners In Health Sierra Leone
“Currently at the Koidu Government Hospital, we offer prenatal, antenatal, delivery, family planning, adolescents and family services, cancer, screening, and treatment – all of which will be transferred to MCOE. Antenatal clinic and follow up clinic and group clinic will be additional services at MCOE, which have space and resources to do those things.“
Dr. Austin Demby
Minister of Health
Government of Sierra Leone
“The Maternal Center of Excellence reflects the power of partnership in advancing maternal and child health in Sierra Leone. Together with PIH and BHI, we are making lasting improvements that will benefit generations to come.”
Future Investment in
Sierra Leone
Dorma Distribution Center
To meet the operational needs of the MCOE and adjoining Koidu Government Hospital, BHI and PIH have designed and built 31,000-square-foot CMU pre-fabricated warehouse, located just 10 minutes from the MCOE. This facility can store up to 3,200 pallets of lifesaving clinical and nonclinical supplies, ensuring that essential medications and equipment are consistently available.
Dorma Training Center and Dormitories
The 60-bed dormitory will be equipped with a dining area, kitchen and lounge area. The training center features one classroom, two lecture halls and two simulation labs including observation rooms, as well as a computer lab and library. Future healthcare professionals will receive hands-on guidance and continuous support from experienced clinicians, cultivating both their technical expertise and compassionate patient-centered care.
KGH Campus Developments
Koidu Government Hospital serves nearly 200,000 patients a year. To meet demand, BHI and PIH are undertaking several campus improvement projects that will improve operational efficiency. A massive electrical upgrade is underway, which will better meet energy demands. Other projects include a laundry facility, incinerator and waste management building, canteen and training center, and screening and entrance pavilion.
Get Involved
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