The Commonwealth Secretariat and Public Health England in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation has commenced a two-day workshop to discuss the future of Public Health in Sierra Leone at the Country Lodge, Hill Station in Freetown.
The purpose of the workshop is to develop public health capacity in Sierra Leone which focuses on developing a strategic frame work for public health for the next five to ten years, including the foundation of a National Public Health Institute.
Addressing participants, Health and Sanitation Minister, Madam Miatta Kargbo called for concerted efforts of NGOs and other partners to articulate a sound public health structures in Sierra Leone that would help enhance the future of public health in the country.
Madam Kargbo noted that the programme focuses on developing a strategic frame work for a National Public Health Institute and to support the ongoing review of the Sierra Leone Public Health Act of 1964, revised in 2004.
She underscored the importance of the Commonwealth Laboratory Twining Pilot between Sierra Leone and Public Health England Laboratories and the Oral Public Health programme in Sierra Leone, hoping to see a credible and resourceful partnership with a sound foundation.
The issue of Public Health, the Minister affirmed, is within the key pillars of the Ministry’s programme and looks forward to a well coordinated approach noting the challenges ahead.
She described the working conditions of her doctors as very challenging and expressed gratitude and appreciation to Public Health England and the Commonwealth for their support towards achieving the Ministry’s goal.
Making her remarks, Head of Health, Commonwealth Secretariat, Dr. Magna Aidoo, said the response by the country for the development of a National Institute will go a long way in addressing the needs of public health in Sierra Leone and lauded the Government of Sierra Leone and the Health Ministry for hosting the workshop which the Commonwealth Secretariat and Public Health England deeply appreciate.
She highlighted the various programmes supported in member states by the Commonwealth which included developing National Health Policies and Strategies, providing platforms for countries to come together to learn from each other as they develop and review their national policies with a view to addressing health challenges like HIV/AIDS, non-communicable chronic diseases and maternal and child health among others.
Thursday May 01, 2014