Sierra Leone Hospital ICU is Renovated Through Church Donation

Prior to receiving a critical donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Connaught Hospital Intensive Care Unit in Freetown, Sierra Leone was unable to provide the basic services an ICU is expected to provide.  Since it is the only public ICU in the country, the situation was critical. But the Church’s donation, celebrated in a handover ceremony on 25 June, 2025, changed all that as the ICU received a thorough makeover accompanied by state-of-the-art life-saving equipment.

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Founded over 100 years ago, the Connaught Hospital is one of Sierra Leone’s preeminent healthcare institutions and serves as the primary teaching site for the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), part of the University of Sierra Leone. While it has served admirably in that capacity and has provided much-needed service in other areas, its ICU has suffered from lack of basics such as beds, medications, ventilators, monitors, and the inability to provide a reliable supply of oxygen.

Well aware of the issues, hospital management put together a plan to improve the hospital’s capacity and services and reached out to the Church for assistance. After visiting and assessing the situation, The Church initiated a renovation project to improve the physical surroundings of the ICU.  With the renovation complete, the Church then equipped the ICU with beds, vital sign monitors, pulse oximeters, sphygmomanometers, infusion pumps, defibrillators, diathermy machines, an arterial blood gas analyzer, and much more brining the ICU up to modern standards.

The handover ceremony brought together high-ranking government officials, hospital administrators and staff, nurses, community members, Church leaders, and others, all who were excited to celebrate the event.  Dr. Mark I. Kapuwa, the Hospital Care Manager, opened the program with effusive gratitude for the gracious efforts of the Church:  “Today is a day of joy, a day of transformation, a day we will remember for many years to come. Thanks to the unwavering partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, our ICU has been reborn, renovated from floor to ceiling, everything rebuilt to standard. We are thrilled beyond words. This is not just renovation, this is a revival.  Let me extend heart-felt thanks to the Church.”

In his comments to the audience, Elder Isaac Morrison explained that “The teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ emphasize the importance of both spiritual and physical well-being. His ministry was not only spiritual edifications and teaching, but was also filled with acts of healing. Your ongoing effort to care for the sick and the afflicted is a true reflection of the examples of Jesus Christ. Our Church is honored to partner with you. We are delighted to donate equipment that will significantly enhance your capabilities. May these resources further empower you to perform your noble mission of saving lives.”

Called upon to offer the formal vote of thanks, the Matron of the ICU spoke on behalf of all present saying, “I take immense pleasure in extending my sincere thanks to the sponsors of this rehabilitation project. I want to say from the depths of my heart, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, thank you very much; we really really appreciate your efforts and generosity in providing a conducive working environment for us and for our patients. We thank you, and may God bless you.”