“I want to ensure that no mother or child is left without care,” says Chernor Jalloh, a Surgical Assistant Community Health Officer at Masanga Hospital in Sierra Leone. This commitment drives him as he seeks to make a tangible difference in maternal and infant health, which is crucial for the well-being of families across the country.

Having recently graduated from the Capacare Surgical Training Programme, supported by UNFPA in partnership with the Government of Iceland, Chernor is equipped with the skills needed to address the urgent issues of maternal mortality and infant care. 

At Masanga Hospital, Chernor supervises the surgical ward, providing essential care to patients with diverse medical needs. He is currently completing his house job, which lasts for one year, having spent the first six months at Connaught Hospital. Now, he is finishing the remaining six months at Masanga, a hospital serving a remote, hard-to-reach community with limited resources and often facing significant logistical challenges. “In the coming year, I hope to complete my postings here and continue my ambition to save lives and improve maternal and infant care,” he shares.

Chernor's training was put to the ultimate test on his birthday. Masanga Hospital was suddenly overwhelmed with emergencies. "We had three critical cases," he recalls, his voice still tinged with the memory. "An ectopic pregnancy, where the foetus develops outside the uterus; severe preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure; and postpartum haemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal death." With senior staff away, Chernor was the most experienced health worker on duty. He felt a surge of responsibility and a knot of fear. "I knew I had to step up," he says. "There was no one else." Drawing on his recent training, he quickly assessed each patient, made crucial decisions, and directed the team. That day, three mothers and their babies survived. "When I think about it," Chernor says, a smile lighting his face, "it reminds me why I chose this path. It was a great achievement, but more importantly, three families got to stay together."

Chernor expresses profound gratitude for the support he has received from Capacare, UNFPA, the Government of Iceland and the Ministry of Health. These partners have been instrumental in providing the resources necessary for effective training and education. “UNFPA, with the financial support of the Government of Iceland, has provided essential funding for our training, ensuring that we have the materials and facilities we need to learn,” he reflects. Capacare’s comprehensive programme has equipped him with the practical skills to handle complex medical situations, while the Ministry of Health has offered guidance and support to integrate their training into the healthcare system.

“This collaboration has strengthened the surgical training programme and empowered us to deliver quality care in our communities,” he states. With this backing, Chernor and his colleagues can focus on improving health outcomes for mothers and infants, ensuring they receive the care they need.

Looking ahead, Chernor envisions a healthcare landscape where every mother has access to safe and compassionate care. “I hope to work hard to reach communities and continue advocating for maternal and infant health,” he states, emphasizing the importance of his mission.