In the heart of Port Loko District, Mamanki Village is witnessing a transformative milestone with the near completion of its state-of-the-art Community Health Center (CHC).

This modern facility, equipped with reliable electricity, a solar-powered water supply system, and a secure perimeter fence, promises to be a cornerstone of healthcare delivery for the community. Beyond its infrastructure, the CHC symbolizes resilience, serving as a shining example of recovery and growth in a former EVD hotspot. As Mamanki moves forward, this center stands as a testament to the Government’s enduring commitment to building stronger, healthier communities.

Today, February 18, 2025, the Ministry of Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Water Resources, and Sanitation through the Post Ebola Recovery Social Investment Fund (PERSIF) Project, has successfully concluded a weeks-long training session focused on the ownership and sustainability of PERSIF Infrastructure (i.e Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Health facilities constructed through the Project) in former Ebola hotspot communities across Sierra Leone. This training session aligns with the project’s upcoming closure, following the completion of the construction of WASH and Health Facilities. The project’s sustainability plan includes empowering community members with the knowledge and skills to take ownership and ensure the long-term sustainability of these facilities.

The training, which brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from beneficiary communities, including key figures such as Paramount Chiefs, Village Heads, City Mayors, District Council Chairmen, Chief Administrators, Health Workers, Teachers, Pump Mechanics, and representatives from the Ministries of Health and Water Resources and Sanitation, took place in Port Loko, Makeni, Kenema, and Kailahun District Headquarters towns respectively.

The primary objective of the training was to enhance the capacity of community members to own, manage, and sustain the PERSIF-constructed facilities independently, without reliance on external support.

The training was conducted by a team of experts, including a Health Practitioner from the Directorate of Primary Health, Ministry of Health, a WASH Engineer from the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and a representative from the District Council.

Key topics covered during the engagement included but were not limited to the following:

1. The Nexus between WASH and Health;
2. WASH Management Committee: Formation/Membership and Prerequisites for the Chairperson and Treasurer;
3. Health Facility Management Committee: Membership and prerequisites for Chairperson and Treasurer;
4. Infection prevention and control;
5. Reportable events and Communicable diseases;
6. Essential Community-Based Services of CHWs Services package;
7. Grievance Redress Mechanism; and
8. Roles and Responsibilities: District Councils, Committee Members, Health Workers, and the Community in the Maintenance and Sustainability of WASH and Health Facilities.

The training was divided into two sections: Section 1 was the official Open Courtesies including the welcome address, opening remarks, declaration of Purpose/objective of training, and statements from key stakeholders. Section 2 was the training proper which saw facilitator-led sessions on training modules, group exercises, interactive activities, questions/suggestions and answers, and recommendations for the sustainability of the project infrastructure.

The completion of the training marked a significant step towards ensuring the sustainability and proper management of WASH and Health Facilities in the beneficiary communities. With enhanced capacity and knowledge, community members are now better equipped to maintain and sustain these vital infrastructures, contributing to improved health and well-being in their communities.

In a continued effort to ensure the long-term impact of the Post-Ebola Recovery Social Investment Fund (PERSIF) project, the Ministry of Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, on 6^th  February 2025  convened key stakeholders at the Freetown City Council to discuss the sustainability and ownership of critical infrastructure constructed under the PERSIF Project.

The engagement brought together the Hon. Minister of Social Welfare, Deputy Minister of Health 1, Chairman of the project steering committee, Paramount Chief Members of Parliament (PCMPs), District Council Chairmen and City Council Mayors, Representatives of the PERSIF Steering Committee, and Partner Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) involved in the recovery process and the African Development Bank.

The engagement had 2 sessions: the first session was the opening ceremony, which included statements from partner ministries. The second session was a panel discussion where partner ministries presented their sustainability plans for the PERSIF project infrastructure.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Social Welfare, Honourable Melrose Karminty stated that the Ebola outbreak that devastated the region several years ago left an indelible mark on the health, social, and economic fabric of the country. In response, the government, through the PERSIF project, invested in constructing infrastructure essential for the socio-economic recovery and resilience building of former Ebola Hotspot communities. These include Community Health Centres, Solarized and non-solarized WASH facilities in communities, schools, and health facilities aimed at mitigating the long-term effects of the epidemic.

Mrs. Karminty commended the donor partners, including the African Development Bank and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Initiative, for supporting the ongoing recovery project. She noted that the project has made significant progress with a 73% completion rate.

The Honourable Minister emphasized the importance of sustaining the project, especially after its official closure, to ensure lasting solutions to the country’s critical needs, particularly in health, water, and sanitation. She commended the project for its alignment with the Post-Ebola Recovery Plan and the Government’s Medium-term National Development Plan, focusing on healthcare, sanitation, Human Capital Development, and Women’s Empowerment.

She continued that the project covers eight districts mostly affected by the Ebola crisis and aims to restore essential services while revitalizing local economies. Mrs. Karminty pointed out that the project’s success relies on community ownership and involvement, with a special focus on providing water and sanitation facilities in schools and supporting trade and social workforce development.

In closing, the Honourable Minister expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and called for continued collaboration to ensure the success and long-term sustainability of the project, which is crucial for the recovery and future well-being of Sierra Leone’s people.

The African Development Bank representative, Ms. Mary, speaking on behalf of the country manager, highlighted the bank’s commitment to social and infrastructural development across Africa, focusing on projects that improve life expectancy, food security, survival, integration, and overall quality of life. She said the initiative aligns with the AfDB’s Human Capital Development Strategy, emphasizing sustainable, people-centered approaches. She continued that a key aspect of the project is its support for Sierra Leone’s recovery from the Ebola crisis, specifically enhancing access to healthcare and restoring basic social services in affected communities. Ms. Mary added that ADB is committed to ensuring the new healthcare facilities meet long-term needs by encouraging collaboration among relevant MDAs and the Ministry of Health.

Ms. Mary also outlined a sustainability plan, emphasizing the establishment of Community Management Committees, continued multi-sectoral coordination, posting of qualified health workers, and allocation of long-term resources by the Ministry of Health.

The AfDB’s goal, she said, is to foster inclusivity and accessibility in healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations such as people with disabilities.

She described the engagement as timely, adding that it reinforced the ADB’s commitment to improving the well-being of Sierra Leone’s citizens, particularly those in remote areas. She is hopeful the initiative will yield positive results for the communities it aims to serve. She emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and stakeholder involvement to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Post-Ebola Recovery Social Investment Fund (PERSIF) project.

In a bid to fulfill her oversight mandate of the Post-Ebola Recovery Social Investment Fund project, the Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty has led key government officials on a Spot visit to assess the progress of the Project Sites. The delegation visited Mabrown and Mamanki villages in the Western Area Rural and Port Loko Districts respectively.

The delegation included prominent officials such as the Deputy Minister of Health 1, the District Medical Officers (DMOs) for both districts, and other technical personnel. The visit aimed to evaluate the implementation of critical health infrastructure designed to bolster the country’s healthcare system, especially in regions heavily affected by the Ebola outbreak. 

Talking to the District Medical officers (DMOs) and community stakeholders during her visit,  the Honourable Minister,  emphasized the importance of the PERSIF Projects, stating, “These facilities are not just buildings; they represent a renewed hope for our people. They symbolize the government’s commitment to improving lives, building resilience, and ensuring no community is left behind.”

The lives of residents in the Yoyah Community of Daru, Kailahun District, have been transformed by the African Development Bank’s PERSIF project. This groundbreaking initiative has successfully constructed a solar-powered water supply system at the Yoyah Community Health Post, heralding a new era of health and safety for the entire community.

For many years, the Yoyah Community Health Post, along with the village residents, relied on rainwater, streams, and rivers for their water needs. This dependency created severe hygiene challenges, compromising the cleanliness of the health facility, medical tools, and overall health of patients and health workers. The situation was particularly dire for women and girls, who undertook long and dangerous journeys to fetch water for laundry, cooking, and drinking. These trips exposed them to numerous risks, including sexual.

The construction of the solar-powered water supply system has brought about a dramatic improvement in the community’s quality of life by reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases and improving overall hygiene standards. The CHP and the community now enjoy access to a reliable and consistent source of clean water supply essential for maintaining hygiene and ensuring the safety of medical procedures.

The health workers at the community health post can now perform their duties more effectively, ensuring better care for patients. The risk of contamination and infection has significantly decreased, contributing to a healthier and safer environment for all. Women and girls no longer need to undertake perilous journeys to fetch water, freeing up their time for education and other productive activities.

The solar-powered water supply system stands as a symbol of resilience and progress. It demonstrates the positive outcomes that can be achieved through thoughtful and targeted infrastructure projects. The PERSIF project has provided a critical resource and instilled a renewed sense of hope and empowerment among the residents of the Yoyah Community.

The once arduous and perilous journey for water in Tikonko, a small town in Kailahun District, has been transformed into a beacon of hope and safety, thanks to the intervention of the African Development Bank through its Post Ebola Recovery Social Investment Fund (PERSIF) project.

For years, the residents of Tikonko relied heavily on rivers and streams for their daily water needs. This dependency posed significant health risks, as the water sources were often contaminated, leading to waterborne diseases that plagued the community. Women and girls, in particular, bore the brunt of this burden, traveling miles to fetch water for cooking and drinking. The journey was not only exhausting but also fraught with dangers, including the threat of rape, snake bites, and even drowning while doing laundry in the rivers.

The construction of a new hand pump in the heart of Tikonko has brought about a dramatic change in the community’s health and safety. Funded by the PERSIF project, this initiative has provided a reliable and clean water source, significantly reducing the community’s reliance on the hazardous rivers and streams.

With the hand pump now operational, women and girls no longer have to endure the long and dangerous treks to fetch water. The pump’s proximity to their homes means they can access clean water conveniently and safely, giving them more time to focus on education and other productive activities.

The impact on the community’s health has been profound. The incidence of waterborne diseases has decreased, and overall hygiene has improved. The availability of clean water for drinking and household use has enhanced the quality of life for the residents of Tikonko.

The AfDB monitoring mission team has on the 5 November visited the Mabrown village to inspect the PERSIF Project CHC and Nurses’ Quarters construction site.

The AfDB monitoring team comprised the Task Manager, Procurement Manager, and Environmental Specialist, which was accompanied by the PERSIF Project Coordination Unit and Prime Engineering Solution.

The objective of the monitoring mission was to evaluate the progress of construction work, engage community/project stakeholders including contractors/consultants, and beneficiaries, and verify land donation agreements and related documents. The mission also looked at the observation of environmental safeguarding protocols, project challenges, recommendations, and possible solutions to the identified challenges.

Speaking with community stakeholders, the Task Manager, Mary, emphasized the need for community ownership and strengthening of monitoring to enhance the sustainability of the facilities. She encouraged contractors to work with the community members to observe safeguarding protocols. She encourages contractors to speed up work to catch up with project deadline, and community stakeholders to speed up the preparation of land donation agreements and related documents.

Mr. Hassan Conteh, Headman of the community expressed gratitude for the consideration of Mabrown Village for the construction of a health facility. He noted that upon its completion, the CHC will benefit 7 surrounding villages and the risk of pregnant women dying on their way to access medical services will be addressed. He assured the mission team of total community ownership, monitoring, and sustainability of the facilities.

The AfDB has on the 5th of November commenced its fourth quarter monitoring mission of the PERSIF Project sites.

The AfDB monitoring team consisted of the Task Manager, Procurement Manager, and Environmental Specialist and was supported by the PERSIF Project Coordination Unit.

The objective of the monitoring was to assess the progress of construction work, engage community/project stakeholders, including contractors/consultants and beneficiaries, and verify land donation agreements and related documents. The mission also examined environmental and social safeguarding protocols, project challenges, recommendations, and possible solutions to the identified challenges.

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