The Church Constructs Community Health Center in Sierra Leone

The 11th of October 2025 marked a remarkable and historic day for the people of Moriba Town, Sierra Rutile, in the Bonthe District, Imperi Chiefdom of Sierra Leone. On this day, the newly rehabilitated and constructed Community Health Facility at Moriba Town was officially handed over and commissioned. The project was funded and built by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a generous humanitarian gesture to support the healthcare needs of the community.

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The newly constructed facility offers services to mothers, children, and the elderly and includes consultation rooms, a maternity ward, and a dispensary. Prior to its construction, residents had to travel to nearby towns to get healthcare, causing a strain on the healthcare centers in those locations. Implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the project aims to strengthen healthcare delivery in the community by providing quality medical infrastructure and essential health services to residents of Moriba Town and the surrounding communities. The facility is expected to play a vital role in improving access to primary healthcare and promoting better health outcomes in the region.

The Honourable Fatmata Bintu Bockarie, a member of Sierra Leone's Parliament, was a key facilitator of the project.  She recalled: "During my travels, I had the opportunity to meet Elder Pambu, the Area Seventy for Sierra Leone and Liberia, on a flight, and we began discussing the needs of Moriba Town. I shared with him the urgent need for a health center in our community, and he graciously accepted the request. I then submitted the proposal to the Material Aid department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I am delighted that it was approved.

"This development is not for me personally, but for the people of Moriba Town, so they can have access to quality medical facilities locally, rather than having to travel all the way to Mattru Jong. I am grateful for the progress made in the building of the Moriba Town Community Health Center and wish to sincerely thank the Church, as well as everyone who has supported this project.

“May the Heavenly Father continue to bless all those who support this project. My aim has always been to ensure that the people of this community have access to proper facilities, and I am happy to see this vision becoming a reality."

President Peter B. Kpaka, President of the Sierra Leone Bo West Stake, presided at the handover ceremony, representing Elder Pambu, the Area Seventy.  During the ceremony of the new facility, he delivered a heartfelt message: “As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are guided by love, compassion, and a deep desire to serve those in need. This building stands today as a symbol of that love — made possible through the generous contributions of faithful members and kind donors.

“Our Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us. Even the Savior, Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, fed the hungry, comforted the afflicted, and lifted the hands that hung down.

“In that same spirit, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to reach out to bless lives and strengthen communities. We want the people of Moriba Town to know that we love them, and we will continue to support them in every way we can, as disciples of Jesus Christ.”

President Kpaka emphasized that the Church’s primary aim is to support those in need and reaffirmed the Church’s ongoing commitment to the well-being and progress of the Moriba Town community.

The commissioning ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Elder and Sister Larsen, the Couple Missionaries for Humanitarian Services in Sierra Leone; Elder and Sister Hassan, the Couple Missionaries serving in the Moriba Town Sierra Leone District; President Samuel Mulai, District President of the Moriba Town Sierra Leone District; his Counselor Emmanuel Allie Conteh; and President Kpaka from the Bo West Stake. Their presence added great significance to the occasion, reflecting the unity and shared commitment among Church leaders, missionaries, and community members.

Also in attendance were officials from the Ministry of Health, local authorities, community leaders, and residents who expressed deep appreciation for this significant development. The event was marked by joy, gratitude, and celebration as the people of Moriba Town welcomed this new chapter in their community’s progress.

Speakers during the ceremony expressed great appreciation for the Church and its involvement in the project.  One community stakeholder summarized the general sentiment of all involved by saying, “We are deeply grateful and happy for this new development. We sincerely thank The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for donating this health center. We assure that we will take good care of the facility, ensuring it is staffed with well-trained nurses and doctors so that everything operates smoothly for the benefit of the community. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Honourable Fatmata Bintu Bockarie and the Church for their generous contribution, and we will continue to keep them in our prayers.”

The successful handover and commissioning of the Moriba Town Community Health Facility stands as a shining example of partnership between government institutions, faith-based organizations, and dedicated public servants. It reflects the collective effort to ensure quality healthcare services for all. Perhaps more importantly, it is an example of how members of the Church show their love for their fellow man and for their Redeemer.  As noted in Matthew 25:40, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”