President of Pujehun District Descendants Association (PDDA), United States of America (USA) branch, Joe A Nuni has commended this press for their coverage on the health care situation in Sierra Leone in general, and the Pujehun district in particular.
He pointed out that “our point of reference is your report published on Tuesday 19th August, on your intern Yu Nakayama’s donation of three stethoscopes and a BP machine to the government Hospital, Pujehun”.
Coming barely weeks after your first report about Pujehun District’s health care needs, the 19th August follow up report sheds even more light not only on the gravity of the situation in Pujehun, but also on who is working hard, individually or collectively to meet the health care needs of our country Nuni wrote.
In a letter sent to our office Joe Nuni pointed out that “the health care system in Pujehun is (in) a sorry mess is beyond question,” adding that “there is hardly any usable modern equipment, the 40 year old buildings have dilapidated and medical supplies are few to come by”. This Mr Nuni said, is sad commentary on the country’s priorities, 47 years after its attainment of political independence.
The Association President pointed out that, in their organization’s considered opinion, “Sierra Leoneans living at home and abroad do not have to go or be rushed abroad for needed medical treatment.” Something he said which should be available right throughout the country.
Unfortunately, he said it is not, and “we view with trepidation the time when visitors like Yu Nakayama, indeed Sierra Leoneans living abroad going home to visit with their families there, will need urgent medical attention that will not be forthcoming.”
He further stated that, this must be avoided at all costs acknowledging “we are happy to say that your intern Yu Nakayama’s donation is a step in the right direction.”
“You (Editor of Awoko) and your paper deserve tremendous thanks for bringing Yu Nakayama to Sierra Leone and for informing the country and the rest of the world about matters of importance to Sierra Leoneans and peace- loving people everywhere. Hats off to you Awoko!”
The PDDA President disclosed that his organization is a non- profit organization established on the heels of the former rebel war in Sierra Leone to help the victims of that unfortunate war. With the end of the war, he explained “we have expanded our mission to include education and health for Pujehun District”, further disclosing that “over the years we have provided scholarship money for many students attending tertiary institutions in Sierra Leone.”
He revealed that their most recent project is to raise funds for the improvement of health care in Pujehun District. “It takes a partnership like Awoko, Yu Nakayama, the PDDA, and other interested parties to undertake initiatives that will bring a lasting beneficial impact on its intended recipients” said the President. Along these lines, he said “I am happy to report that the PDDA has organized a fundraising dinner in Mary Land (USA) proceeds will be used exclusively for the improvement of health care in Pujehun District”.
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