In a significant development for the healthcare sector, the Sierra Leone government has announced the establishment of the country’s first National Public Health Agency, marking a pivotal step forward in public health management. The announcement was made at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on Wilkinson Road in Freetown on Monday, November 11, 2023, with the official launch scheduled for December 14, 2023.
Professor Foday Sahr hailed President Bio’s initiative as a momentous investment in Sierra Leone’s public health landscape. He stated that the impending establishment of the Public Health Agency signifies a beacon of hope for the delivery of healthcare services across the nation. “This agency will enhance our capacity to address public health challenges, ensuring that every Sierra Leonean has access to essential health services,” he said.
Professor Sahr outlined the Agency’s primary functions, which will include coordinating public health activities and responding swiftly to emerging health issues within Sierra Leone. He emphasized that the agency would play a crucial role in fortifying the nation’s healthcare system, conducting training for healthcare practitioners, and embarking on vital public health research initiatives.
Expressing optimism, Professor Sahr anticipated that the agency’s efforts would significantly improve public health outcomes, strengthen the country’s public health infrastructure, and safeguard the welfare of Sierra Leoneans. He also revealed that the agency’s launch would coincide with the unveiling of three strategic plans focused on critical areas of growth, including management and operations, public health surveillance, research, and emergency preparedness and response.
Dr. Vandy, the Director of the new agency, assured the public of the government’s commitment to providing a dedicated budget and fostering international partnerships to support the agency’s initiatives. He discussed the transformation of the country’s Directorate of Health Emergency into this new public health agency, emphasizing that current personnel would be utilized while plans are made to train additional healthcare practitioners.
Both Dr. Vandy and the Deputy Minister of Health highlighted the importance of involving the private sector in funding the agency, showcasing a joint commitment from the government, development partners, and the private sector to bolster public health efforts.
In a keynote address, Deputy Minister of Health 1, Dr. Charles Senesie, described the agency’s establishment as a long-awaited dream come true. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to its continual support and emphasized the critical need for preparedness in the face of potential pandemics. “The agency will play a pivotal role in combating future health crises, ensuring that we are better equipped to handle any challenges that may arise,” he stated.
Dr. Daphne Moffett, Director of the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), expressed pride in partnering with the Ministry of Health, praising the initiation of discussions that have led to the agency’s establishment since 2014. Dr. Moffett voiced her optimism about fruitful collaborations and significant outcomes arising from the agency’s formation.
The launch of the National Public Health Agency represents a transformative step for Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, promising to enhance public health governance, preparedness, and response capabilities. As the nation prepares for the official unveiling, there is hope that this initiative will pave the way for improved health outcomes and resilience against future health challenges.