Freetown, Sierra Leone – 28th-31st October 2024
The Health Development and Partnerships for Africa and the Caribbean (HeDPAC), led by CEO Haileyesus Getahun, has successfully completed a scoping mission in Sierra Leone. The mission was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and focused on evaluating the progress, successes, and challenges of the National Community Health Program (NCHP), while identifying opportunities to strengthen it further.
Collaborative Engagement with Key Stakeholders
During the mission, the delegation engaged in insightful discussions with Honorable Minister Dr. Austin Demby and senior leadership of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation. These engagements provided a platform to assess the state of Sierra Leone’s health system and explore ways to reinforce its community health initiatives.
The HeDPAC team also visited primary healthcare facilities in Port Loko District, where they interacted with health workers, district health management teams, and facility management committees. These on-the-ground discussions shed light on pressing challenges and areas requiring immediate attention to enhance the NCHP’s effectiveness.
Significant Progress and Achievements
The scoping mission highlighted several key achievements of Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, including:
- Improved Access to Health Services: Approximately 85% of the population now has access to essential health services within 5 kilometers of their homes.
- Expanded Hospital Capacity: The expansion of hospitals has bolstered secondary and tertiary care services, ensuring a continuum of care across a life-course approach.
These accomplishments reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and improving health outcomes for its citizens.
HeDPAC’s Commitment to Strengthening Sierra Leone’s Health System
HeDPAC commended the Ministry of Health and Sanitation for its remarkable progress in advancing the NCHP and reaffirmed its dedication to supporting Sierra Leone in overcoming remaining challenges.
“We are inspired by Sierra Leone’s achievements in community health and are committed to working alongside the Ministry to ensure continued progress,” said Haileyesus Getahun, CEO of HeDPAC. “Together, we can build a resilient health system that provides equitable access to quality care for all.”
Moving forward, HeDPAC will work closely with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation to implement strategies that address identified challenges, including conducting a comprehensive Primary Health Care reform with human resources as a core of the reform.
By fostering partnerships and leveraging innovative approaches, HeDPAC aims to support Sierra Leone in its journey toward achieving Universal Health Coverage and improving the health and well-being of its population.
