On Saturday 29th May 2010, we launched an important project aimed at reducing maternal and fetal mortality in Sierra Leone.

This launch was the culmination of a great deal of hard work which started way back in July 2009 when our programme dierector, Mrs Jennifer Renner-Thomas, at the prompting of the chairman of our management committee, Dr John Mbonu (former MD, Sierra Leone Breweries Ltd), applied for a grant from The Heineken Africa Foundation. The application was successful and the good news was relayed to us at the end of September 2009 by Ms Katinka van Cranenburgh, Representative of Heineken Africa Foundation (HAF).

Eight months later at the launch, Katinka was physically present to deliver an encouraging message from HAF.  Mr Cor Honkoop, MD of Sierra Leone Breweries, (a subsidiary of Heineken International), then unveilled the 'state of the art' ultrasound machine complete with its patient archiving computer system.

The launch was a colourful event chaired by the former Minister of Health, Ms Abator Thomas and graced by representatives of the medical profession, HAF, the ministry of Health and Sanitation, Sierra Leone Breweries, the media, friends and well wishers.                                                                                                                                               Dr Len Gordon-Harris, Sierra Leone's foremost radiologist presented a highly enlightening talk entitled 'the Value of Ultrasound Examinations during Pregnancy' and later, Dr Nnenna Mbonu was presented with a plaque by Mrs Renner-Thomas in recognition of her hard work as chairperson of the fund-raising committee of the WWC.  Nnenna is leaving Sierra Leone at the end of the month after 4years in Sierra Leone.  

Dr Es'e Thomas-Macauley, PREP project manager delivered a vote of thanks and the launch ended on a high note with a tour of the clinic and refreshments.