Meet Sister Mary Koroma, the Head Antenatal Clinic Nurse at Magbenteh Community Hospital, the heartbeat to our maternal health care since 2008. Sister Mary is an incredibly special woman, with a warm smile and bursting with energy.

Mary became a fully qualified midwifery nurse in 1992 and became employed by the National Diamond Mining Company in Kono, but her position was short lived due to rebel attacks at the start of the 10-year Civil War. In 1997 she was employed by Action Against Hunger where she the first-hand effects of war, working particularly with malnourished children, a matter brought about by war and instability, encouraging a rise in national poverty.

Mary joined Magbenteh Community Hospital in 2008, 2 years after the facility’s inauguration. Initially handling child malnutrition cases she explains, “Children have a special place in my heart. It is important we look after and care for the youngest members of our population. If you have a healthy start in life you have a greater opportunity to fulfil your potential.”

After a few years Mary moved to the Antenatal Clinic, initiating obstetric screening, training’s for midwives, and general management of maternal cases for women prior to pregnancy. “One of my favourite times of the day is when I speak with expectant mothers and teach them about the importance of eating healthy and taking care of their bodies for the sake of their unborn child and to ensure we reduce the county’s reduce maternal mortality rate. It is so important that women attend their check-ups.”

“I am one of the oldest staff members at Magbenteh Community Hospital, I have lived and worked through a Civil War, I have seen my country suffer and how we have risen again. I am so proud to be part of its development and for the health of our future generations.”