Marampa Mines Boosts Healthcare Services in Lunsar

By Benjamin S. Conteh

Marampa Mines Limited (MML) has strengthened healthcare delivery in northern Sierra Leone through the donation of medical drugs and equipment to key health facilities in Marampa Chiefdom, Port Loko District.

The official handover ceremony, held on 6th March 2026, saw the distribution of vital medical supplies to Lunsar Community Health Center, Marbil Community Health Center, and St. John of God Catholic Hospital in Lunsar. The initiative is part of the company’s continued commitment to improving the welfare of communities surrounding its mining operations.

The event brought together the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, traditional authorities, district health officials, community leaders, and staff of Marampa Mines Limited. The gathering highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, private sector institutions, and local communities in strengthening Sierra Leone’s healthcare system.

Strengthening Community Health
In his welcome remarks, Managing Director of Marampa Mines Limited, Angula Kalili, expressed appreciation to the Minister of Health and other dignitaries for attending the ceremony. He noted that the company views community wellbeing as a central part of responsible mining.

Kalili explained that Marampa Mines believes sustainable mining goes beyond extracting natural resources and must include meaningful investments in the social development of host communities.

According to him, healthcare remains a critical pillar of sustainable development, particularly in rural areas where access to essential medical services can be limited.

“Responsible mining goes beyond the extraction of natural resources,” Kalili said. “Investing in the wellbeing and development of the communities in which we operate is a priority we take very seriously as a company.”
He emphasized that strong healthcare systems are essential for building thriving and productive communities. As a result, Marampa Mines continues to work closely with community leaders, local authorities, and health professionals to identify the most pressing needs in the areas where it operates.

Partnership with Project CURE
Kalili revealed that the donation was made possible through a partnership between Marampa Mines Limited and Project CURE, an American humanitarian organization known as one of the largest distributors of donated medical equipment worldwide.

The collaboration was facilitated through the United States Embassy in Freetown.
He explained that the partnership began in 2024, when Project CURE visited the Marampa mining site to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of healthcare facilities serving the surrounding communities.
Following the assessment, three health facilities were identified as priority beneficiaries: Lunsar Community Health Center, St. John of God Catholic Hospital, and Marbil Community Health Center.
The medical supplies and equipment donated during the ceremony were therefore carefully selected to address critical gaps identified during the evaluation.
According to Kalili, the primary goal of the initiative is to help bridge the healthcare resource gap in rural communities and ensure that local health facilities have the tools they need to provide quality care.
Supporting Frontline Health Workers
The Managing Director also paid tribute to healthcare workers who continue to serve communities under challenging conditions.
He acknowledged the dedication of doctors, nurses, and medical staff who work tirelessly to save lives, often with limited resources.
“Today’s support is not only about the facilities receiving the equipment,” he said. “It is also about recognizing the professionals who continue to serve our communities and save lives every day.”
Kalili expressed hope that the donated equipment and medicines will strengthen the capacity of healthcare providers, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the overall quality of healthcare services in Marampa and Maforki Chiefdoms.
Paramount Chief Applauds Initiative
Paramount Chief of Marampa Chiefdom, PC Koblo Queen II, described the donation as a historic and meaningful intervention for the people of the chiefdom.
He noted that access to quality healthcare remains one of the major challenges faced by rural communities and stressed that initiatives like this can significantly improve the lives of residents.
“Today is not just another ceremony,” the Paramount Chief said. “It is a moment that speaks directly to the health, dignity, and future of our people.”
He emphasized that healthy communities are essential for development, pointing out that without healthy mothers, children, and workers, communities cannot grow or prosper.
The Paramount Chief also commended the Government of Sierra Leone, particularly the Ministry of Health, for its ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and expand access to medical services nationwide.
Call for Improved Emergency Services
While praising the donation, PC Koblo Queen II also highlighted the urgent need for improved emergency response services in Marampa Chiefdom.
He expressed concern about the lack of reliable ambulance services, noting that patients at St. John of God Catholic Hospital sometimes struggle to access emergency transportation during critical medical situations.
According to him, delays in emergency transport can have serious consequences for patients who require immediate medical attention.
The Paramount Chief therefore appealed to both the Ministry of Health and Marampa Mines Limited to support the provision and effective management of ambulances to improve emergency healthcare services within the chiefdom.
Impact on Healthcare Delivery
Health officials present at the event stated that the donated medicines and equipment will significantly improve healthcare delivery across the beneficiary facilities.
They noted that the supplies will enable medical staff to treat patients more effectively, support maternal and child health services, and provide timely medical interventions for vulnerable members of the community.
For many residents in rural communities like Marampa Chiefdom, the availability of essential medical supplies can mean the difference between life and death.
Community leaders therefore praised Marampa Mines Limited for demonstrating strong corporate social responsibility and for investing in the wellbeing of local residents.
Commitment to Continued Collaboration
In his closing remarks, Kalili reaffirmed Marampa Mines Limited’s commitment to working closely with the Government of Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Health, and local stakeholders to support initiatives that improve social services in mining communities.
He expressed hope that the donated medical supplies would contribute meaningfully to strengthening healthcare services and improving the quality of life for residents in Marampa and Maforki Chiefdoms.
The ceremony concluded with expressions of gratitude from community leaders and renewed calls for continued collaboration between the private sector, government institutions, and community stakeholders to further strengthen healthcare services across the region.