I am the oldest serving Paramount Chief in Tonkolili district age wise as well as period of term in office.  I have diligently served in this capacity for 35 years now. So I am familiar with my community very well.

P.C. Pa Alimamy Bangura II, Kafe Simira Chiefdom, Tonkolili

The prevailing health condition is far better than what it used to be. The decade long war seriously hampered health care delivery in my chiefdom. All of our three Community Health Posts located at Mosobie, Mabontho and Makontande were looted and destroyed during the war. This led to the death of several war victims whose lives could have otherwise been saved had these centres been functioning then. However, I am more than delighted to inform you that all of the three centres have been rehabilitated and fully operational. We have been informed that plans are also afoot to add one more to them at Mayoso.

Our Community Health Officer was doing fine, but has recently been transferred to Bumbuna and we are anxiously awaiting his replacement.

That notwithstanding, our women and children continue to receive free treatment and vaccination. We also receive regular health talks including those on the new disease they call AIDS, which they say has no cure and has been killing several people worldwide.

The most common illness in Kafe Simira is malaria.

Meanwhile, since there are so many corrupt practices now taking place all over the country; if I have my way, I will advice government to ensure that anytime they want to send free drugs to any community they should inform the chief so that their distribution will be effectively and efficiently monitored by us. This will prevent unscrupulous health personnel from selling them either to illegal drug peddlers or deserving patients in need of them.

We are also appealing for staff quarters for our medical staff as a means of encouraging them to do their work better, considering the poor salaries and conditions under which they work.

We are lucky to have pipe borne water supply here, but it is often problematic. So government and their partners should also consider providing each of the centres with at least a VIP well.