About the Hospital

The Bo Children's Hospital

The Bo Children’s Hospital (BCH) in Bo, Sierra Leone, embodies the vision of the late Dr. Nuli Lemoh, a pediatrician educated in Sydney who was born in Bo. Dr Lemoh returned to work in Bo as the chief pediatrician for several years, however amidst Sierra Leone’s prolonged civil war, .he returned to Sydney with his family.  He envisioned a facility that could provide specialized care to children in his hometown—a region lacking in healthcare resources and with one of the highest child mortality rates globally.

The hospital, the only children’s hospital outside of the capital, Freetown, addresses a critical gap. Situated 300km away from the capital, BCH is not just a medical facility but a crucial lifeline for the local community.

The Need: Sierra Leone remains one of the world’s poorest nations with significant challenges:

• Infant and Child Mortality: The rates are staggering, with infant mortality at 82 per 1,000 live births and under-five mortality at 111 per 1,000.

• Maternal Mortality: The rate stands at 857 per 100,000 births, reflecting severe inadequacies in maternal health services.

• Preventable Diseases: Diseases like malaria, malnutrition, diarrhea, and pneumonia, preventable and treatable, remain the leading causes of death, indicating a dire need for effective healthcare intervention.

Impact of BCH: Since its opening in June 2012, BCH has treated many thousands of children. The hospital has significantly reduced deaths from preventable diseases such as malaria, malnutrition, and diarrhea—diseases that have long plagued the region.

Facilities and Services:

• Comprehensive Care: BCH is equipped with 25 beds, outpatient clinics, a pharmacy, and facilities for minor surgeries and diagnostic services including X-ray, ulta sound, and laboratory tests.

• Vaccination and Prevention: The hospital runs extensive vaccination programs, reaching out to remote villages to ensure no child is left vulnerable to preventable diseases.

• An Outreach program has been established for clinicians at the hospital to visit remote villages once a fortnight to provide much needed healthcare to the children.

• Education and Support: BCH actively educates parents on disease prevention and hygiene, crucial in preventing disease spread.

Continued Need for Support: The hospital's operation relies heavily on donations and volunteer support. Contributions are essential for:

• Maintaining and Expanding Services: Funds are crucial for medical staff salaries, purchasing medical supplies, and sustaining the malnutrition clinic.

• Infrastructure Development: Donations support the maintenance of essential infrastructure like the solar panels and generator that provide reliable power.

BCH stands as a testament to Dr. Lemoh’s dream and the community’s resilience, showing how targeted support and healthcare can transform lives. The ongoing commitment of donors and volunteers continues to fuel this beacon of hope, proving that even in the world's poorest regions, change is possible with concerted effort and compassion.

Join us in our mission to save lives and nurture the health of Sierra Leone’s future generations. Your support can make a real difference. Donate today.