On 3rd February 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) held a brief handover meeting with the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) at their head office on Kingharman Road in Freetown. The meeting included the Executive Director, Professor Foday Sahr, his deputy, Dr. Mohamed Alex Vandi, and other senior staff members. The handover ceremony was for donations procured by WHO for NPHA, which included laboratory and infection prevention and control (IPC) materials to help the agency combat outbreaks.
The Country Representative for WHO, Dr. George Ameh, welcomed the NPHA team and expressed his gratitude for their dedication to improving public health in the country. He emphasised that the small ceremony was a show of WHO's solidarity with NPHA, not just in words but in deeds. Dr. Ameh reiterated the importance of collaboration between organisations to effectively combat health crises. He stated that the donation was specifically formulated to boost the response to Mpox. Dr. Ameh also highlighted that WHO's support to NPHA is demonstrated through tangible support and resources.
The Executive Director of NPHA, Professor Foday Sahr, thanked WHO for their generous donation and reaffirmed NPHA's commitment to working closely with WHO to strengthen public health systems and respond effectively to health emergencies. He highlighted the significance of partnerships in achieving sustainable health outcomes for the population. Professor Sahr emphasised that WHO has been with NPHA every step of the way, providing technical expertise and guidance in their efforts to improve healthcare delivery. He looks forward to continued collaboration with WHO in addressing future health challenges and promoting global health equity.
The donation included PCR kits, GeneXpert cartridges for tuberculosis testing, and sequencing reagents for analysing available samples. Laboratory materials are essential for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of diseases, while IPC materials help prevent the spread of infections within healthcare settings. This technical exchange between WHO and NPHA, facilitated by Dr. George Ameh and Professor Foday Sahr, symbolises the continuation of support and cooperation between the two organisations.
A significant handing over of the laboratory items was done by Dr. George Ameh to Professor Foday Sahr, solidifying their commitment to working together towards a healthier future for all. This gesture underscores the importance of partnerships and collaboration in enhancing public health systems and responding to health emergencies effectively.
©️ Public Relations Coordinator NPHA-SL