By: Mohamed Sahr
The Ministry of Health, through the Directorate of Reproductive and Child Health, has conferred Post-Basic Certificates to 25 neonatal nursing graduates during a ceremony held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.
Dr. Sartie Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer, emphasized that with the specialized skills gained through the training, neonatal survival rates have significantly increased by 90%. He noted that prior to the start of this training program in Sierra Leone, neonatal mortality was at a staggering 100%.
Dr. Kenneh encouraged the graduates to continue working in the right direction to enhance the quality of neonatal care throughout the country. “As you complete this diploma, we may also look into offering a degree course in the future,” he said.
He further urged the graduates to prepare themselves for even greater efforts to ensure the achievement of high-quality healthcare services.
Martron Mary Augusta Fullah, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at the Ministry of Health, described the neonatal training as a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s healthcare system. She pointed out that the second cohort of neonatal graduates reflects the dedication and commitment of healthcare professionals, the quality of training provided, and the collective efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes in the country.
Fullah expressed gratitude to the graduates for their dedication throughout the training, which equipped them with the specialized skills and knowledge needed to care for newborns. “This achievement signifies not only hard work and perseverance but also a readiness to contribute to the improvement of neonatal health in Sierra Leone,” she stated.
Dr. James Bunn, Health Adviser to the British High Commission and FCDO, encouraged the trainees to carry the same passion they demonstrated during the training into the workforce, strengthening neonatal healthcare. He added that FCDO would continue supporting neonatal training in Sierra Leone by providing necessary facilities and supporting the Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) initiative.
Liv Elin Indreiten, Deputy Country Representative of UNICEF, emphasized that quality neonatal care is essential for strengthening health systems through the Ministry of Health. She highlighted that the goal of neonatal training is to reduce neonatal mortality and save lives. Indreiten noted that the newly graduated nurses would play a vital role in enhancing the quality and affordability of neonatal care.
Graduate Kerrie Charlie shared that the training provided essential knowledge and skills for caring for neonates. She mentioned that the program created an opportunity to understand some of the conditions affecting preterm infants and how to address these challenges before they escalate.
The ceremony marked a key moment in the ongoing efforts to improve neonatal healthcare in Sierra Leone, and the graduates are now poised to contribute significantly to the country’s healthcare system.
