By: Saidu Jalloh
In a bid to educate the public on public health risks, the National Public Health Agency held a four-day retreat at Bo City on the 17th of October, 2024, to engage communities on public health risks matters and provide solutions to dealing with those risks.
The gathering was aimed at strengthening collaboration commitment, commitment, and partnership to boost effective communication through task-oriented networks and community-based collaboration strategies to address public health risks.
Prof. Foday Sahr, the Executive Director of NPHA, opined that the retreat serves as a crucial moment for reflection, learning, and planning as they review the progress they had in the first of the year and chart a way of the remainder of the year.
Prof. Sahr mentioned that working in the one health risk communication and community engagement and space is critical because it directly impacts the health and safety of the communities. He emphasized the importance of working together as a unit to ensure that accurate information is disseminated to the public in a timely manner. He encouraged the participant to continue collaborating and sharing best practices to effectively address health risks in their community.
He also noted one health’s critical role in safeguarding public health amidst infectious diseases and health emergencies through effective communication and community engagement.
Prof. Sahr further highlighted the need for enhanced monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to identify best practices and adapt strategies in response to evolving health challenges. He reinforced the integrated approach of the one health framework, which considers human, animal, and environmental health interconnectedness.
He called for open communication, evidence-based strategies, and community empowerment, encouraging effective collaboration and sharing insights among participants. He expressed gratitude to risk communication and community engagement colleagues and partners for their dedication, acknowledging their contribution to ongoing progress and future success in public health.
He announced they had officially launched the revised One Health government manual at the Sierra Palms Hotel. That significant event aimed to strengthen collaboration between government agencies and stakeholders to tackle public health challenges through a united approach.
He recalled that they had officially kicked off the Polio immunization campaign, which is running through parents; careers are encouraged to bring their children under five to designated vaccination centers for free polio vaccines. In addition, he assured me that health workers would also do door-to-door immunizations for those children in school or those who could not go to the designated facilities.
He concluded that it was a crucial step in their efforts to eradicate polio and fight against public health risks, and they wanted to continue promoting a free and safe environment for all Sierra Leoneans
