UNICEF Hands Over 100 Resilient Oxygen Concentrators to Boost Sierra Leone’s Special Newborn Care

UNICEF Deputy Country Representative LiV Elin Indreiten doing symbolic handing over of the 100 resilience Oxygen Concentrators Essential Equipment to the Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mustapha Kabba

By Lemuella Tarawallie

UNICEF Sierra Leone on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, handed over 100 oxygen concentrators, along with spare parts, to the Ministry of Health for Special Newborn Care. The donation coincided with the commemoration of World Prematurity Day during a tripartite event, which also included the launch of the Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) Clinic Guidelines and several key publications: Medical Oxygen Strategic Plan 2024-2028, Protocol for Medical Oxygen Use in Peripheral Health Units Sierra Leone 2024, and Ministry of Health Kangaroo Mother Care Implementation Guidelines December 2024.

The 100 resilient oxygen concentrators, together with essential newborn care supplies, are expected to significantly strengthen life-saving care for premature and low-birth-weight babies across the country.

UNICEF Sierra Leone’s Deputy Country Representative, Ms. Liv Elin Indreiten, described the donation as a crucial investment in survival.
“Oxygen is life-saving for babies struggling to breathe,” she said. “These concentrators, supported by UNICEF’s Office of Innovation through the Supplies Financing Facility, were designed to be more durable and dependable.”

She added that the new concentrators come with filter sets, flow splitters, nasal prongs, oximeters, and spare parts, making them suitable for Special Care Baby Units, paediatric wards, and primary health facilities nationwide.

“It is a privilege to stand with the Ministry of Health as we commemorate World Prematurity Day 2025 under the theme: ‘Give Preterm Babies a Strong Start for a Brighter Future,’” she said. “This year’s theme speaks directly to Sierra Leone’s reality. Progress has been made, but newborn mortality remains heartbreakingly high.”

Ms. Indreiten reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment through two major actions: the official launch of Sierra Leone’s National KMC Guidelines and the handover of the 100 resilient concentrators and essential newborn supplies.
“UNICEF stands ready to work alongside the Ministry of Health, the KMC clinics, and mothers of preterm babies to ensure every baby, especially those born too soon, has a bright and healthy future,” she concluded.

Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Mustapha Kabba, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, praised UNICEF for the timely support.
“These are necessary pieces of equipment for the infrastructure and partnerships we need to ensure they are used for their intended purpose,” he said. He urged partners to support operational costs to keep the machines running.

“Please involve our biomedical engineering unit in the process. They are now working actively within the ministry. With proper maintenance and a warranty culture, these machines will last longer and serve more babies,” Dr. Kabba emphasized.

He reminded guests that every preterm baby deserves a strong start.
“We have the evidence, the tools, and the partnership from UNICEF to make this a reality. When solar panels keep an oxygen concentrator running, when a device stabilizes a struggling infant, and when a mother holds her baby skin-to-skin, lives are saved, and futures are shaped.”

Sierra Leone’s neonatal mortality rate stands at approximately 24 deaths per 1,000 live births, and the infant mortality rate at around 94 per 1,000 live births. Most deaths occur in the first 28 days of life, driven by prematurity, birth complications, and infections.

“This is why the launch of the National KMC Guidelines is significant,” Dr. Kabba said. “Implementation and accountability are the only ways to give preterm babies the strong start they deserve.”

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Deputy Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Christiana Menad Squire called the day “a privilege and a solemn duty.”
“As we commemorate this day, let us renew our commitment to ensuring every premature baby survives and grows into a healthy human being,” she said. She thanked UNICEF for the life-saving equipment and applauded nurses and midwives for their tireless service:
“Each year, thousands of babies are born too soon. Many of these deaths are preventable with timely, quality, and compassionate care. Let us give ourselves a round of applause for the work we are doing.”

The Resident Representative of JICA Sierra Leone, Yoneba Yashi, expressed deep appreciation to UNICEF and the Ministry of Health. He announced JICA’s donation of 152,000 maternal and newborn health booklets, covering every pregnant woman and newborn in the Western Area.
“JICA’s cooperation in Sierra Leone is not short-term,” he assured. “We provide technical assistance and capacity building to ensure sustainable improvements.”

Mothers of Premature Babies Share Their Journeys

One of the most emotional moments came from the testimonies of mothers who had lived through the fear, uncertainty, and hope of preterm birth.

Fatmata Abiodu, a midwife and mother of a premature baby, shared her ordeal.
“It is not easy,” she began softly. “I work with preterm babies every day, but when it happened to me, I was overwhelmed. When I saw my baby weigh 0.9kg in the incubator, I cried the whole day.”

Fatmata recalled the fear of losing her child, the sleepless nights, and the constant encouragement she received from nurses.
“They not only give you courage, they pray for you,” she said. “Every day I entered the unit, they told me, ‘It will happen.’ Today, my baby is thriving because of their care.”

Another mother, who delivered premature twins, fought back tears as she recounted her story.
“Courage kept me going,” she said. “I nearly lost both babies. One survived, one didn’t. It is the saddest pain of my life.” She explained how the emotional strain cost her her job, but the support from nurses kept her moving forward.
“Thank God for the nurses,” she said. “It was not easy, but they gave me courage to continue.”

Their testimonies left the audience visibly moved, a reminder of what is at stake in every preterm birth.

A Stronger Start for Sierra Leone’s Smallest Citizens

As the ceremony ended, the newly delivered equipment stood as symbols of hope for mothers holding life in their trembling hands, for nurses working through the night, and for babies fighting for their first breath.

World Prematurity Day in Sierra Leone closed with a powerful message: with the right tools, teamwork, and compassion, every preterm baby can have a strong start and a brighter future.