Today in Freetown, Sierra Leone we hosted a significant event under the theme “The Role of Catholic Health Institutions in Addressing Health Challenges: Free Care versus Cost Sharing in Different Service Delivery Models.” The gathering, supported by Conrad N. Hilton Foundation brought together representatives from Catholic health institutions, government stakeholders, and international partners to reflect on how faith-based organizations (FBOs) can continue to play a vital role in strengthening the national health system.
Catholic health institutions, many of which are rooted in remote and underserved communities, represent a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s healthcare landscape. With a long-standing commitment to the dignity of every human life, these institutions often deliver care where services lack yet are most needed.
«As faith-based organizations committed to promoting access to health, our work is driven by the values of equity and solidarity and reaching the most vulnerable and marginalized communities is our mission» said Sister Josephine Amara.
The event offered participants the opportunity to navigate and discuss a pressing dilemma: how to balance the principle of free care—especially for the most vulnerable women and children—with sustainability, quality, and resource constraints. Discussions explored innovative models of cost-sharing that ensure access without compromising on standards, while also emphasizing the need for stronger public-private collaboration.
In this context, CUAMM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Catholic health institutions as key partners in delivering people-centered care. To date, thanks to the support of international donors like Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, CUAMM is collaborating with 150 catholic institutions across 50 African countries reaching 173 health facilities with activities that spans from technical assistance to traning and advocacy.
By bridging gaps between communities and national health systems, FBOs do not only provide services—they build trust, promote preventive practices, and uphold the moral imperative of caring for all, especially the poorest.
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