Sierra Leone Celebrates Opening of the Paul E. Farmer Maternal Center of Excellence

Sierra Leone has long struggled with high maternal mortality rates, with 1 in 52 women dying during pregnancy or childbirth as of 2020, compared to 1 in 3,800 in the United States. In response to this ongoing health crisis, the Paul E. Farmer Maternal Center of Excellence (MCOE) officially opened on February 14, 2026, marking a significant advancement in maternal and infant care in the region. This facility, developed by the global health nonprofit Partners in Health in collaboration with local health officials, features 166 beds and is the first neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in the country.

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The MCOE's establishment is the culmination of nearly a decade of efforts, including the construction of a blood bank and pharmacy, training for nursing and midwifery staff, and enhanced access to family planning services. Key funding partners in this initiative are authors and entrepreneurs Hank and John Green, who have contributed $50 million through various fundraising efforts, including their annual Project For Awesome charity livestream and the Awesome Socks Club, which has evolved into the Good Store. The Greens' initiatives have collectively raised over $12 million for charity.

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During the construction of the MCOE, Partners in Health prioritized hiring a majority-women crew and trained approximately 200 clinical staff, including 51 midwives, in collaboration with Sierra Leone's Ministry of Health. John Green emphasized the importance of the local community's role, stating, “The folks in Sierra Leone who actually built the hospital... those are the people who really made this possible.” This sentiment was echoed by community members, including Gab Rima, a long-time supporter of the Greens, who expressed pride in the collective efforts to support the MCOE.

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The MCOE began treating its first patients shortly after its opening, including the delivery of its first baby, a girl born on Valentine’s Day. This event symbolizes a transition from years of planning to the active provision of lifesaving care for women and newborns in Sierra Leone. Vicky Reed, executive director of Partners in Health Sierra Leone, remarked on the significance of this milestone, stating, “We just delivered the first baby of the Maternal Center of Excellence.”

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The Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services of Sierra Leone's Ministry of Health issued a statement celebrating the opening of the MCOE, highlighting its role in advancing safer motherhood and improving healthcare delivery across the country. The Ministry looks forward to continued successes in strengthening maternal health services.

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• “This has been a six-year journey for our community, raising $50 million, working with the Sierra Leonean government and Partners in Health Sierra Leone to build the staff, stuff, space, and systems necessary to provide good, dignified care,” — John Green, Author and Entrepreneur

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• “This moment marks a profound transition from years of planning, collaboration, and construction to the active delivery of lifesaving care for women and newborns in Kono District and beyond,” — Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services, Sierra Leone Ministry of Health

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• “I am so, so grateful to everyone who participated in this project.” — John Green, Author and Entrepreneur

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• “There’s so much bad news in the world these days, and as much as I try to take action, it often feels like nothing I do matters,” — Gab Rima, Community Supporter

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The opening of the Paul E. Farmer Maternal Center of Excellence represents a significant step forward in addressing maternal health challenges in Sierra Leone, with hopes for a lasting impact on the lives of women and newborns in the region.

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