Sierra Leone Opens Its First-Ever Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Sierra Leone has opened its first-ever neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), a 166-bed facility housed within the newly established Paul E. Farmer Maternal Center of Excellence in Koidu, Kono District. 

The project was made possible by American entrepreneurs, authors, social activists, and YouTube creators John and Hank Green, who raised $50 million from their online community toward its construction.

The 166-bed facility, which officially opened on February 14, 2026, expands specialised care for mothers and infants in a country with one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.

According to health officials and official data by Unicef, Sierra Leone’s maternal mortality rate in 2020 stood at approximately 1 in 52 women dying from pregnancy-related causes. 

Although improvements have been recorded in recent years, access to advanced maternal and neonatal care has remained limited, particularly outside the capital.

Sierra Leone First Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Image: Sierra Leone’s new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Kono

The new Maternal Center of Excellence (MCOE), located in Kono District, increases capacity from the previous 48-bed maternal ward and now Sierra Leone’s first dedicated NICU to care for premature and critically ill newborns.

It is being built through a partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone and the global health nonprofit Partners In Health (PIH), which has been operating in the country since 2014. 

Construction of the facility began in 2021, and approximately 200 clinical staff, including 51 midwives, were trained to support operations at the hospital. 

Funding of Sierra Leone’s First Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Image: First baby born inside the new neonatal intensive care unit in Sierra Leone

A significant part of funding for the construction of the 166-bed neonatal intensive care unit came from a $50 million donation from American authors, YouTubers and philanthropists John and Hank Green, who mobilised financial support through charitable initiatives and online fundraising campaigns. 

“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 said in an announcement video.

The hospital began treating patients immediately after its opening, with officials confirming that the first baby delivered at the center, a girl born on February 14 2026, Valentine’s Day, weighing 1.72 kilograms, is receiving specialised neonatal care.

In a statement, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health described the opening of the NICU as “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.”

How Will this Help Maternal Women in Sierra Leone 

Image: Inside the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Maternal mortality rate in Sierra Leone is one of the highest in the world, with 1,360 mothers dying in every 100,000 live births, according to a Unicef report.

The mortality rates of neonates, infants and children under five in Sierra Leone are also amongst the highest globally at 34, 82, and 111 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively. 

In Sierra Leone, Maternal deaths account for 36 per cent of all deaths amongst women aged 15-49 years.

Access to intensive neonatal services in Sierra Leone is limited. The new facility will help in reducing the number of infant and maternal mortalities.

The 166-bed modern and well-equipped NICU will provide high-quality medical care for infants and women.

“The Ministry of Health and Partners In Health proudly celebrate this remarkable milestone and look forward to many more successes as we continue strengthening healthcare delivery across Sierra Leone. Together, we are advancing safer motherhood and giving every newborn a stronger start to life,” the Ministry of Health said.

Who Are Hank and John Green?

Image: The Green Brothers

John Green is the bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars, which was adapted into a major motion picture in 2014. 

Hank Green is the author of the New York Times bestselling novels An Absolutely Remarkable Thing and its sequel, A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor.

Beyond their literary careers, the brothers are widely known for leveraging their online platforms to mobilize support for global health causes. 

Over the years, they have raised tens of millions of dollars to support initiatives addressing maternal mortality in Sierra Leone, tuberculosis treatment, and other public health challenges.

In recognition of their impact in global health advocacy and philanthropy, the two were named to the TIME100 Health 2026 list. 

The brothers have announced plans to continue supporting maternal health initiatives in Sierra Leone.