By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended ceremony held on Thursday 18th September, 2025 at CHASL’s Secretariat on Kingharman Road in Freetown, the Christian Health Association of Sierra Leone (CHASL) has officially launched its 50th Anniversary celebrations on the theme: “Celebrating 50 years of compassionate care and community impacts”, marking five decades of faith-driven healthcare delivery, compassion and community service across the country.

Established in 1975 by a coalition of faith-based health facilities, CHASL has grown into Sierra Leone’s second-largest health provider, currently delivering nearly 30 percent of the nation’s healthcare services. The network now comprises 43 health facilities across 13 districts, supported by 10 Christian denominations and remains particularly focused on serving rural and hard-to-reach communities.

Welcoming the gathering, Gifty Florence Massaquoi, Executive Director, Christian Health Association of Sierra Leone (CHASL), emphasized the significance of the milestone. “This is more than a celebration; it is a testament to the lives touched and the hope restored,” she said.

She called for continued unity, networking and the strengthening of an enduring, community-based health system to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery across the nation. Founded in 1975 through the collective efforts of faith-based health facilities, CHASL has grown from a handful of clinics into Sierra Leone’s second-largest healthcare provider, delivering nearly 30% of the country’s health services.

Speaking at the launch, Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah, Chairperson of the Proprietors Council of CHASL, said the milestone reflects the vision, sacrifice and commitment of the Association’s founders and health workers who have built a strong legacy of service since 1975.

“CHASL stands on the shoulders of giants, visionary proprietors, coordinators and health workers who built this legacy of faith and service. For fifty years, CHASL has been a beacon of hope, ensuring healthcare reaches even the most forgotten corners of Sierra Leone,” he said.

Since its founding, CHASL has grown into the second-largest healthcare provider in Sierra Leone, delivering nearly 30 percent of national healthcare services. The Association now operates a network of 43 health facilities across 13 districts, supported by 10 Christian denominations, with a focus on rural and hard-to-reach communities.

He mentioned that over the decades, CHASL has:

- Expanded from small local clinics into a national network of hospitals and health centres.


- Trained and equipped generations of health workers.


- Partnered globally while shaping national health policy.


- Played a frontline role in tackling epidemics such as Ebola, COVID-19 and Mpox.

Despite challenges with financing, workforce retention, and infrastructure,  Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah said the organization remains anchored by its core values of Christ-centeredness, integrity, accountability, transparency, partnership and equity.

Looking ahead, CHASL is committed to strengthening unity across its network, improving quality of care, building institutional capacity and advancing evidence-based advocacy.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations are being observed under the theme: “Compassionate Care and Community Impact.”

Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah called on the Government of Sierra Leone, Proprietors and member facilities to strengthen collaboration in order to deliver better, more equitable and more compassionate healthcare services for all Sierra Leoneans.

“Together, we will build, innovate and heal for today’s Sierra Leone and for generations to come,” he concluded.

In his keynote address, Senior Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Andrew Sorie, praised CHASL for its unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of Sierra Leoneans. He disclosed that CHASL aligns closely with the Ministry’s goals of collaboration, support and accountability.

“CHASL continually demonstrates love, peace, care and empathy, offering hope and strength to those in need,” Andrew Sorie remarked “What CHASL does in the health sector directly influences Sierra Leone’s productivity and development.”

He also commended the organization for providing services many of which are free or heavily subsidized in underserved communities. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/chasl-marks-five-decades-of-faith-driven-healthcare-across-sierra-leone/