By: Mohamed Sahr mohamedsahrpro@gmail.com
Committed to building a resilient and healthier life for every Sierra Leonean through an innovative health system, His Excellency President Bio officially inaugurated the newly established National Public Health Agency on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Freetown.
Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio, in his address, emphasized that the National Public Health Agency signifies the government’s dedication to safeguarding the well-being of Sierra Leoneans and the nation’s readiness to respond to health emergencies. He stressed that the establishment of the NPHA is a proactive response to the lessons learned from the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks that affected the country. President Bio described the NPHA as a comprehensive system designed to prevent, detect, and respond effectively to a myriad of health emergencies both within the country and globally.
President Bio highlighted Sierra Leone’s significant improvements in disease surveillance systems, achieved through a comprehensive epidemiology training program across the nation. He affirmed his government’s strong political will and focused efforts on developing public health infrastructures to enhance data-driven mechanisms for protecting and improving the well-being of the population.
Addressing the collaboration aspect, President Bio underlined the NPHA’s emphasis on key public-private partnerships to enhance coordination and reduce health inequalities. He described the NPHA as a science-based government organization serving as a focal point for leadership, expertise, data-driven approaches, and coordination to address national public health issues and comply with health security agendas.
Dr. Austin Demby, the Minister of Health, elaborated on the NPHA’s primary focus on prevention, preparedness, and response to epidemics and outbreaks. He expressed confidence that the NPHA would provide a unique opportunity to design a system that caters to the health needs of Sierra Leonean citizens, addressing primary healthcare, secondary and tertiary systems, referral networks, and health security.
Dr. Demby thanked President Bio for his continued leadership and commitment to supporting the country’s health system.
Professor Foday Sahr, the Director-General of the National Public Health Agency, conveyed a sense of hope and optimism regarding the NPHA’s role in coordinating public health activities nationwide. He emphasized the agency’s critical role in ensuring the country’s preparedness to respond effectively to any public health challenges. Prof. Sahr highlighted the NPHA’s alignment with the One Health platform, fostering collaboration across health, agriculture, environment, security, water resources, and sanitation.
Prof. Sahr assured that with the establishment of the NPHA, Sierra Leone is better equipped than ever to address public health challenges. He outlined the NPHA’s public health emergency trust fund, requiring an initial amount of $10 million over the next five years, and its alignment with the national strategic plan to enhance public health security through coordination, early public health measures, and research as key pillars in the response approach.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), commended Sierra Leone for establishing the National Public Health Agency, emphasizing its foundational role in providing science-based leadership and coordination for public health. Dr. Ghebreyesus pledged WHO’s support in terms of equipment and capacity building for the agency, acknowledging the importance of the NPHA in building on lessons learned from previous health crises.
The event featured statements from various development partners, including the British High Commissioner in Sierra Leone H.E. Lisa Chesney, United States Charge d’Affaires (a.i.) Ms. Stephenie Bunce, World Bank representative Dr. Abdu Muwonga, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China H.E Amb. Wang Qing, and United Nations Resident Coordinator Dr. Innocent Nuwagira. Their diverse contributions underscored the significance of the National Public Health Agency in the broader context of international cooperation and support for Sierra Leone’s health initiatives.
