Saving Lives Initiatives
One Surgery at a Time
Saving Lives Initiatives is a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit delivering free surgical care, medical training, and equipment to underserved communities in Sierra Leone. Since 2016, we have believed everyone deserves access to quality healthcare.
"Help Me and Let Me Help You"
Bridging the Gap in
Anesthesia & Surgical Care
Saving Lives Initiatives (SLI) is an independent 501(c)(3) registered as an NGO in Sierra Leone. We bring volunteer surgeons, anesthesiologists, CRNAs, physician assistants, and other medical professionals to perform free surgeries and train local healthcare workers — leaving skills behind that save lives long after we return home.
Sierra Leone has one of the world's most critical shortages of anesthesia providers. SLI addresses this directly — our CRNAs train local anesthetists in epidural, spinal, and regional techniques, creating a lasting foundation for safe surgical care.
Sierra Leone is among the most underserved countries in the world for surgical care, and SLI answers that call — mission after mission.
Anesthesia Training &
Capacity Building
One of SLI's most impactful contributions is training local anesthetists in advanced techniques. Our CRNAs and anesthesiologists work side by side with Sierra Leonean healthcare professionals, providing mentorship that multiplies our impact long after the mission ends.
Epidural Anesthesia
Step-by-step training with real clinical cases during surgical missions.
Spinal Blocks
Hands-on instruction for spinal anesthesia in resource-limited settings.
Regional Techniques
Advanced nerve block techniques for pain control without general anesthesia.
Ultrasound Guidance
Training on SonoSite machines donated to Connaught Hospital for safe access.
Pioneering Laparoscopic
Surgery in Sierra Leone
SLI proudly introduced laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery to government hospitals in Sierra Leone — a first for many of the facilities we serve. Our surgeons trained local medical personnel hands-on in advanced laparoscopic techniques, equipping them to perform safer procedures with shorter recovery times and lower infection risk for their patients.
First laparoscopic procedures introduced at partner government hospitals
Local surgeons and OR staff trained on laparoscopic camera systems
Hands-on mentorship during live surgical cases
Equipment and training materials left in-country after every mission
Our Programs
Five interconnected priority areas improving surgical care, training, and health capacity in Sierra Leone.
Surgical Outreach
Free life-saving surgeries performed by volunteer surgeons in collaboration with local teams at government hospitals.
Learn moreAnesthesia Training
Hands-on training in epidural, spinal, and regional anesthesia — building lasting local capacity to support surgical care.
Learn moreBLS / ACLS Certification
Emergency life support training for local healthcare professionals, building a strong foundation for patient safety.
Learn moreMedical Equipment Supply
Donating critical equipment: C-arm X-ray machines, SonoSite ultrasounds, surgical stretchers, and training models.
Learn moreFamily Health
Maternal and child health programs supporting families with access to essential preventive and clinical care.
Learn morePreventive Medicine
Community education on infection control, PPE use, and universal precautions for safer healthcare environments.
Learn more3,000+ Surgeries and Growing
Over 12 missions, SLI has assembled teams of volunteer surgeons, anesthesiologists, CRNAs, physician assistants, nurses and support staff who travel to Sierra Leone to provide care no local patient could otherwise receive. One landmark mission at Connaught Government Hospital alone saw 53 surgeries in 5 days.
- 100+ patients triaged per mission
- Local anesthetists trained in epidural & regional techniques
- Emergency professionals certified in BLS & ACLS
- C-arm X-ray machine & SonoSite Ultrasound donated
- $500,000+ in medications & supplies donated to government hospitals
What's Ahead for SLI
Building on a decade of surgical missions, our next chapter focuses on lasting infrastructure — permanent capacity that serves Sierra Leone every day of the year.
State-of-the-Art Surgery Center
A dedicated SLI surgical facility in Sierra Leone equipped with modern operating rooms, anesthesia infrastructure, and laparoscopic capability — providing year-round access to safe surgery and a permanent training home for local clinicians.
Secure Medical Logistics Pipeline & Training
A reliable, end-to-end supply chain to move medications, equipment, and surgical materials safely from donors to hospitals — paired with logistics training so Sierra Leonean teams can sustain the pipeline independently.