The residents of Asker Amputee Camp in Makeni now have access to essential medical care, thanks to the opening of a new health facility aimed at supporting war survivors and vulnerable families.

The Makeni Medical Mission Health Facility, which includes 11 fully equipped treatment rooms, was officially opened during an emotional ceremony attended by community members and leaders. At the heart of this initiative is Pastor Bambay Sawaneh, a survivor of Sierra Leone’s civil war, humanitarian, and author of Under the Mango Tree. His long-held dream of improving healthcare access for those most affected by the war has now become a reality.

The project was made possible through collaboration with international partners, including a U.S.-based medical team and faith-based organizations. It reflects one of the major recommendations made after the war: that access to healthcare must be improved in conflict-impacted communities.

“This facility is not just a building—it’s a promise fulfilled,” Pastor Sawaneh said, his voice full of emotion. “We were wounded by war, but today, we begin to heal.”

The centre’s opening included a free medical outreach program, where over 100 patients received care from a 10-member visiting medical team. Many were amputees, widows, and elderly individuals who had struggled for years without reliable healthcare.

Nurse Sheila Yates, with over 20 years of experience, expressed deep appreciation for the welcome they received. “We screened for conditions like malaria, infections, and fevers. The need here is overwhelming, but the gratitude is even greater.”

For Salamatu Turay, a widow affected by the war, the clinic is life-changing. “We used to walk six miles to reach the nearest hospital. Now help is just around the corner,” she said.

The facility will be staffed by over 10 trained nurses and a Community Health Officer. While services will be free at first, a small fee will later be introduced to keep the clinic running sustainably.

Reflecting on the journey, David Fant, a partner in the project, recalled when the idea was just a hopeful conversation. “What started as a dream is now standing here before us. This clinic shows that healing is possible—even after immense pain.”

Pastor Samuel Menyongar, who leads a missionary centre in Africa, described the clinic as a “symbol of hope and healing” for those often forgotten in the nation’s efforts to rebuild.

More than just a health centre, the Makeni Medical Mission Health Facility represents a new chapter for those who have long lived with the wounds of the past. It stands as a tribute to resilience, remembrance, and the shared determination to build a healthier future—where no one is left behind.