By: Saidu Jalloh
The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) launched the Epic Project today in collaboration with Health and Development in Action (HEADA) and its partners. This initiative aims to improve three main areas: antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic disease surveillance, and strengthening the laboratory system in Sierra Leone. The project also seeks to engage stakeholders to build alignment and commitment towards its goals and objectives.
In his statement, the NPHA’s Deputy Executive Director, Dr. Mohamed Alex Vandi, outlined the agency’s vision for the project and emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing public health challenges. He highlighted the need for coordinated efforts among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to achieve sustainable improvements in health outcomes in Sierra Leone.
The Country Director of HEADA, James Bangura, explained the scope of the Epic Project, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with government agencies through the One Health approach. This approach integrates human, animal, and environmental health to address complex health challenges comprehensively and sustainably.
Bangura highlighted the project’s potential impact on public health outcomes in Sierra Leone and mentioned that the project has received a Global Health Security Mandate to support and strengthen local district health systems to effectively prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases, particularly in wildlife health and the environment.
During the kick-off meeting, key stakeholders, including representatives from USAID, WHO, the US, the Ministry of Environment (Wildlife and Forestry), NAFS (Livestock), and NPHA, made statements. Dr. Mohamed Vandi, the Deputy Executive Director of NPHA, delivered the agency’s statement.
James Bangura of HEADA provided an example of a community in Western Rural called Ferreh Water, where a cave with a stream harbors bats. He raised concerns about the community using the water for drinking and personal hygiene, as the bats defecate in the water, posing health risks.
Mr. Bangura outlined key tasks for the project, including conducting assessments and informational interviews with actors in the wildlife sector to understand gaps and needs for wildlife health surveillance and developing a strategy for operationalizing it.
The Epic Project builds on broad experience and existing capabilities that align with Global Health Security (GHS) priorities, including the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS). NAPHS focuses on strengthening health systems to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats. Notably, NAPHS has researched the Marburg virus in bats for the first time, contributing to understanding and managing zoonotic diseases.
The One-Health approach is indeed the best option because it incorporates human, animal, and environmental health. By integrating human, animal, and environmental health, the One Health approach provides a holistic and effective framework for addressing complex health challenges.
