MSF Recognized for Outstanding Contribution to Sierra Leone’s Health Sector
By Bobor Dan Kamara
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (SLANGO), hosted its inaugural Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Friday, 11th October 2024, at the New Brookfield Hotel. Over 40 national and international NGOs were honored for their contributions to the objectives of Sierra Leone’s Medium Term National Development Plan for 2024-2030.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/Doctors Without Borders was recognized for its remarkable efforts in reducing preventable diseases and improving maternal and child health services in Bombali and Tonkolili districts. The award also acknowledged MSF’s support in strengthening government systems, capacity building, resource mobilization, and delivering life-saving healthcare services.
Abi Kebra Belaya, Head of Mission for MSF in Sierra Leone, expressed her gratitude, stating, “This award highlights our dedication and excellent collaboration with the Ministry of Health to promote access to quality healthcare for vulnerable groups in Sierra Leone.” She affirmed MSF’s continued commitment to improving healthcare for the people of the country.
Since 1986, MSF has been providing free healthcare to local communities in Sierra Leone. Currently, MSF supports the Ministry of Health in offering free healthcare to children under five, pregnant women, and lactating mothers in Kenema and Tonkolili districts. In Bombali district, MSF is working to improve access to diagnosis and treatment for tuberculosis in both adults and children.
In 2023, MSF facilitated 152,000 outpatient consultations, assisted in 27,100 births, and treated 11,800 malaria cases in Tonkolili and Kenema districts. Additionally, 2,150 individuals began tuberculosis treatment in Bombali. MSF’s Head of Protocol Office, Mr. Zubairu Abubakar, accepted the award on behalf of the organization from Mr. Usman Conteh, Deputy Development Secretary, and Mrs. Ajiratu Kamara, Deputy Director of the Rural Development Directorate at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.
