Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio attended the Mercy Ships Partners Welcome Event at the Harry & Linda Fath International Lounge, Queen Elizabeth II Quay, Freetown.
Alongside top Ministry of Health officials, including the Deputy Minister II Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha, she celebrated the return of the MV Global Mercy—the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, designed for humanitarian work.
During the event, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio officially signed the Mercy Ships visitor’s Book, further cementing her commitment to improving healthcare in Sierra Leone.
In her keynote address, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio stressed her commitment to understanding the healthcare system, stating, “I simply want to understand this environment so that when I speak on behalf of my people, I do so not just as an advocate but as someone with academic knowledge.” Highlighting her enrollment at UCLA , she emphasized the importance of academic expertise in driving healthcare transformation in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio outlined her goals for improving the healthcare system, including making hospitals more accessible and welcoming, and recognizing healthcare staff. She emphasized the role of education in these efforts and commended Mercy Ships’ mentorship, which empowers local healthcare professionals. Currently, 145 individuals, including surgeons, anesthetists, and nurses, are receiving training aboard the Global Mercy, enhancing Sierra Leone’s healthcare capacity.
Looking ahead, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio expressed anticipation for the next field service from September 2024 to June 2025, seeing it as a continuation of President Julius Maada Bio’s healthcare reform agenda.
She praised Mercy Ships’ efforts in operating the outpatient extension center at Macaulay Street Government Hospital, which supports patients from the provinces. Her remarks reflected a clear vision for a healthcare system that serves all Sierra Leoneans, aligning with her husband’s transformative goals.
Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio was given a guided tour of the Global Mercy by Daniel Lauermann Mana, the Managing Director. This tour provided her with a deeper understanding of the ship’s operations. Her involvement in the event highlighted her commitment to advocating for accessible, quality healthcare and underscored her proactive approach to acquiring academic knowledge to better represent and serve her people.
Credit:
Strategic Communications Division,
Office of the First Lady,
Republic of Sierra Leone.
