November 18, 2021
BY MOHAMED M. SESAY
With support from the people of Norway, the European Union Ambassador Manuel Alexander Muller has on the 16th November 2021 at the Lungi International Airport, handed over one hundred and sixty-five (165) boxes of assorted surgical equipment to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation towards the fire victims.
Chairing the occasion, the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation Dr. Philip Kargbo, confessed that they were very happy for the donation coming from Norway through the European Union.
He said one thing that is clear is that Sierra Leone and the European Union are one adding that, it is not a surprise for them to see the European Union coming at a time of need to support the fire victims.
In his handing over statement, European Union Ambassador Manuel Alexander Muller said it gave him pleasure to be present at the handing over ceremony of donations provided by Norway through the European Union of medical consumables. Ambassador Muller added that the occasion depicts that Sierra Leone and the European Union and other countries are very well working together. He stressed that even when they have different countries but are one people in the cooperation.
Ambassador Muller further disclosed that the European Union has responded to a request made by the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Health in terms of solidarity support for the fire victims. He explained that the European Union Disaster Centre which was managed by the Humanitarian Branch of the European Union has coordinated the Member States donations to Sierra Leone and also the active support by medical doctors.
For the time being, the European Union Ambassador also affirmed that they have received a team of Italian medical doctors in the country in order to give support to the emergency hospital and assured that a new Italian Team of Medical Doctors will arrive in the country next week. He added that additional donation is also anticipated from Belgium with medical consumables.
Ambassador Muller continued that there are other European Union Member States working on support in order to aid the Wellington fire Victims. He said with the many support coming into the country it shows that Multilateralism matters as European Union are coming together as Team Europe with a worldwide solidarity and worldwide cooperation with Sierra Leone.
“In that regard, I am handing over 165 boxes of assorted medical consumables and we are sure that you will do the best in reaching out to the people who need it the most”, said Ambassador Muller.
He concluded by congratulating the Minister of Health and Sanitation and staff of the Ministry for the way the Ministry has responded to the fire disaster. He assured the Ministry that the European Union and its Member States that they will continue to work with the Ministry and continue to be in solidarity with the people who suffered from the fire accident.
In receipt of the donated items, the Acting Minister of Health and Sanitation Dr. Anthony Sandy said he was honored to be part of the handing over ceremony of assorted medical consumables meant for the Wellington Fire Victims. On behalf of the President and on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone, Dr. Sandy extended his profound appreciation to the people of Norway and to the European Union in particular for making possible the donation to reach Sierra Leone at the right time.
Dr. Sandy recalled that the European Union has being with the country since the outbreak of the Ebola and again the European Union is with the country during the Covid-19 pandemic and also stood with the country during the November 5th fire disaster. He acknowledged receipt of the 165 boxes of assorted surgical equipment and therefore, assured the European Union Ambassador and the people of Norway that the Ministry will use the donated items for their intended purposes.