November 24, 2025, 11 a.m. MST
On October 11, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helped mark a historic milestone for residents of Moriba town in Sierra Leone with the donation of a new community health facility. The project was completed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and is part of the Church’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to strengthen access to health care in the region.
The newly built facility is said to be a “symbol of love” and a testament to the collaboration between government agencies, faith-based organizations and dedicated community members. Before construction, residents of Moriba Town were forced to travel to neighboring communities for medical care, further straining already limited medical resources.
The new health center aims to ease that burden by providing essential medical services, including maternal, child and elderly care. Equipped with examination rooms, a maternity ward, and a clinic, it is expected to significantly improve access to primary healthcare in Moriba Town and surrounding areas.
President Peter B. Kupaka, president of the Sierra Leone Bow West Stake, presided over the handover ceremony. In remarks published by the church’s Africa Newsroom, he reaffirmed the church’s commitment to supporting local needs.
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to reach out to bless lives and strengthen communities,” President Kupaka said. “We want the people of Moriba to know that we love them and, as disciples of Jesus Christ, we will continue to support them in any way we can.”
The ceremony was attended by local residents, missionaries, and Ministry of Health officials, all of whom expressed their gratitude for the new facility and the cooperation that made it possible.
Fatmata Bintu Bokkari, a member of Sierra Leone’s parliament and a key facilitator of the project, said the idea arose during a conversation with Area Seventy Elder Kenneth Pambu on a plane. Recognizing the urgent need for a health center, she submitted a proposal to the church’s resource department, which was later approved.
“We are grateful for the progress made in the construction of the Moriba Town Community Health Center and would like to sincerely thank the church and everyone who supported this project,” Bockarie said. “My goal has always been to ensure people in this community have access to appropriate facilities, and I am pleased to see this vision become a reality.”
President Kupaka emphasized that this project reflects the core values of the Church.
“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,” he said. “This building stands today as a symbol of that love, and was made possible through the generous gifts of our loyal members and kind donors.”
