The Government of Sierra Leone has begun constructing a new $3.5 million faculty building for the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) in Kossoh Town, a development that officials say marks a historic step in strengthening the country’s health education system.
Myk Berewa, Communications Director at State House, described the project as a major milestone for both COMAHS and the wider health sector. The new structure, funded by the Ministry of Health, is expected to be completed in March 2026.
A First-of-Its-Kind Investment
In a statement highlighting the progress, Mr Berewa noted that it is the first time the Sierra Leonean government has directly invested in building a faculty facility for COMAHS since the institution was established.
“The Government of Sierra Leone, via its Ministry of Health, is developing an impressive $3.5 million faculty building at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) in Kossoh Town,” he said. “This marks a historic first for the government in directly investing in COMAHS. Over the past seven years, these efforts are just a glimpse of the transformative initiatives we’ve been implementing.”
COMAHS, which trains the country’s doctors, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, nurses and other health professionals, has long faced limited space and infrastructural challenges. The new building is expected to ease pressure on existing facilities and support the increasing number of students.
Facility Designed to Support 1,500 Students
The new faculty building will accommodate 1,500 students each session. The structure includes:
Five modern laboratories for medical and science training
Office spaces for the Dean
Offices for Heads of Departments
Workspaces for lecturers and administrative staff
Officials say the laboratories will greatly improve teaching in key areas such as anatomy, pathology, microbiology, physiology and biochemistry. Training in these subjects has long been affected by overcrowded labs and outdated equipment.
Strengthening the Future Health Workforce
Sierra Leone has one of the lowest doctor-to-population ratios in West Africa, with limited opportunities for advanced training. Experts say improving medical education is essential if the country is to produce enough qualified doctors and health workers to meet growing demand.
The new investment is therefore seen as a long-term effort to strengthen the health workforce, improve the quality of care and reduce the need for Sierra Leoneans to travel abroad for medical training.
For many students and lecturers, the project represents hope for a better learning environment and more resources for academic work and research.
Part of a Broader Transformation in the Health Sector
Mr Berewa emphasised that the COMAHS project is only one part of a wider programme the government has been pursuing to reform and improve the health sector over the past seven years.
These include expanding community health centres, improving maternal health services, upgrading hospitals, investing in digital health systems and training more nurses and midwives.
The new COMAHS faculty, he said, fits into a broader drive to modernise healthcare delivery and prepare the country for future public health challenges.
Impact on Students and Lecturers
The facility is expected to bring several benefits:
More Space and Better Learning Conditions
Students will have access to bigger lecture rooms, better-equipped labs and improved practical training facilities.
Improved Staff Conditions
Lecturers and department heads will have dedicated office space, improving coordination and academic planning.
Boost for Research
The new building will create more opportunities for research into diseases that affect Sierra Leone, including malaria, maternal mortality, drug-resistant infections and emerging health threats.
Construction Underway in Kossoh Town
Work is currently ongoing at the project site. The Ministry of Health says the building is on track to be completed by March 2026, and contractors have been instructed to adhere to safety and quality standards.
Local residents are also expected to benefit from employment opportunities created during the construction phase.
