Freetown, Jan, 22, 015 (MOHS) – The Ministry of Health and Sanitation in its continued effort to building a resilient health system for Sierra Leone, on Thursday January 22, 2015 organized a two days Consultative Meeting with stakeholders at the Sierra Light House Hotel at Aberdeen in Freetown.
The High Table: (4th from Right) Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Brima Kargbo, Health Minister, Dr. A.B. Fofanah and Permanent Secretary and Chairman for the occasion, Mr. David W. S. Banya
Key among the objectives of the meeting is building a consensus on the situation analysis and the strategies identified for health systems recovery and resilience investment frame work.
Cross Section of the Participants
Addressing the donor community, NGOs, other development partners including the Working Group in the opening ceremony, the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Abu Bakarr Fofanah described the two days event as very critical in identifying the challenges, and significant in the sense that with collective efforts a lot could be done in turning around what appears to be complex.
Health and Sanitation Minister, Dr. Abu Bakarr Fofanah making his official opening address
He expressed appreciation over the level of commitment seen by the respective working groups, adding that he is optimistic of success after the finalization of the Draft Working Plan for positive implementation.
Dr. Fofanah recalled the presentation of his vision for the health sector to health development partners after assiduously working with Senior Top Management Leadership Teams of his Ministry, describing it as one of the most significant meetings held since the outbreak of the Ebola epidemic.” Comments received from partners and the Ministry’s continuous engagement helped to further refine the Ministry’s vision with a strategic direction that builds a consensus on the road to posterity”, said Dr. Fofanah
“We have been very good in articulating our intentions but not been able to follow through with implementation, and this is an era that needs increased focus in the post Ebola planning process”, opined Dr. Fofanah.
The Minister expressed gratitude to all those who in diverse ways contributed to the process, as well as for the continued support to the health sector. He reassured all of the continues support of both his office, his Deputies, and the professional and administrative heads.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Brima Kargbo
The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Brima Kargbo encouraged the working groups to explore the thematic areas in the plan that would help the Ministry achieve its 2015-2016/2016-2020 National Strategic Plan, catering for every Sierra Leonean, and re-emphasized the active participation of partners in the overall activity.
The WHO Representative, Dr. Daniel Kertesz reiterated his organization’s continued support to the government and people of Sierra Leone in the fight to contain the Ebola epidemic as well as the post Ebola era towards providing assistance to access essential services, making life better for Sierra Leoneans.
WHO Representative, Dr. Daniel Kertesz
Making his presentation on the Objectives, Situation analysis and Overview of the process, the newly appointed Director of Health System Strengthening, Policy, Planning and Information, Dr. Samuel Kargbo dilated on the Ebola virus disease impact survey conducted by the Health Ministry and UNICEF, the Minister’s Six Years Vision, articulated from the Geneva High Level Ebola Recovery Meeting, and Trust in the country’s health system among other key issues.
Permanent Secretary and Chairman for the occasion, Mr. David W. S. Banya
Chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Mr. David Banya, the Consultative meeting which also attracted District Medical Officers across the country had group discussions on the review of the implementation of the Joint Programme of Work and Funding 2010-2014,Llessons learned and recommendations, and defined solutions for recovery through the use of the Basic Package of Essential health Services.
JAK/KK/MOHS
