19 May 2024, Freetown, Sierra Leone*: In response to a recent suspected food poisoning incident in the Mabella community, the Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), Professor Foday Sahr, along with his deputy, Dr Vandi, and the Western Area Urban District Health Management Team, made a crucial visit to the affected area. This visit underscores the government's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of its citizens.

Upon arrival, Professor Sahr and Dr Vandi engaged directly with community stakeholders, including local leaders, health workers, and residents. The visit aimed to address the community's concerns, provide reassurance, and outline the steps being taken to investigate and mitigate the incident.

During the visit, Professor Sahr emphasised the importance of community collaboration in addressing public health emergencies. He reassured the Mabella residents that the government is taking the incident seriously and has mobilised resources to ensure a thorough investigation. "We are here to listen to your concerns and to assure you that your health and safety are our top priorities," stated Professor Sahr.

Dr Vandi highlighted the measures being implemented to identify the source of the suspected food poisoning and prevent future occurrences. He explained that samples have been collected for laboratory analysis, and preliminary findings will be shared with the community as soon as they are available.

The Western Area Urban District Health Management Team played a pivotal role in coordinating the response efforts. They provided updates on the medical support being extended to affected individuals and outlined plans for ongoing monitoring and support.

Professor Sahr reiterated the government's dedication to public health, stating, "This incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive measures in ensuring food safety. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to prevent such incidents and enhance our public health infrastructure."

As part of the ongoing response, health education sessions will be conducted in the Mabella community to raise awareness about food safety practices. Additionally, the NPHA will collaborate with local authorities to implement stricter food safety regulations and inspections.

The visit concluded with a pledge from the NPHA and the Western Area Urban District Health Management Team to maintain open communication with the Mabella community and to provide continuous support as the investigation progresses.

For further updates and information, please visit our website or the NPHA social media channels.