MoPED and MoHS Inspect MSF Belgium Health Facility in Kenema

By: MoPED COMMS TEAM

A Team from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), led by the National Director of NGO Affairs, Eric Massally, together with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), led by the Permanent Secretary, Morie Momoh, has jointly visited the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF Belgium) health facility in Kenema District to inspect the status of work currently ongoing at the hospital, particularly the 50 plus bed referral Maternity center.

The visit, among other things, was to also assess the preparedness of the facility in rendering health care services to the public and as per both Ministry’s mandate to supervise NGOs in ensuring that they operate by following the set standards and guidelines of Ministries.

Upon arrival at the facility, the team was welcomed by the Head of Mission, Whitney Ward, who expressed his delight at the visit, noting that it was a manifestation of the 35 years long and unique partnership the MSF Belgium has enjoyed with the Country.

He said that he was proud of the work they have done in Kenema, citing the ambitious plans they have to reduce maternal and morbidity and under 5 mortality and morbidity; increasing the capacity building of Sierra Leone medical professionals and their emergency response strategy.

A comprehensive presentation was done by the MSF team, showcasing their robust outreach program in community engagement, support to peripheral health facilities and their referral to primary/secondary strategy

The Team was then taken on a tour of the facility, where they visited the 100 bed Pediatric Hospital, the 50 bed Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care services (CEmONC) Maternity, and the MSF Academy that focuses on strengthening the skills and competencies of frontline healthcare workers, with the will to have a long-impact on the quality of healthcare within Sierra Leone.

In his address, the National Director of NGO Affairs, Eric Massally, said that he was pleased to experience the massive commitment and zest the MSF Belgium team has made in strengthening the country’s healthcare system, particularly in also providing capacity building for local healthcare staff, which according to him, was critical to the country’s health system.

“The work you have done here in complementing Government’s effort is a laudable achievement, but to get this project sustained, there is every need to localize capacity building. That is passing on your expertise to our National staff, so even when you leave the country would be capacitated to continue this project”, says Director Massally.

He called on the MSF Belgium to support government’s referral system, particularly in communities where healthcare services are deprived. Director Eric encouraged them to extend their capacity building trainings to support other staff in government health institutions

Sulaiman Phoray Musa, Donor Laison Manager, MoHS, said the facility was an amazing project that would benefit the healthcare system of the country. He referred to the MSF academy as a laudable venture, noting that he would be anticipating for the academy services be extended to support the Kenema Government Hospital and other critical staff within the Kenema medical community.

In his statement, The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Morie Momoh, said that he was happy to see such a project that supports the country’s fragile health sector, requesting that the MSF Belgium showcase their work by placing a sign board at the entrance to create the much required visibility they deserve.

He said their effort in supporting the government’s healthcare system would not go unnoticed, noting that such effort demonstrates the strong partnership MSF Belgium and the Ministry has enjoyed for many years. He assured MSF Belgium of Government’s support in moving their programs forward.

MSF started work in Sierra Leone in 1986 responding to a Cholera outbreak in Freetown; in 1994 providing life-saving medical care during the civil war; in 2003 providing pediatric care at Gondwana referral center in Bo and then in 2014 began large-scale response to West African Ebola outbreak.

In 2017, they also began supporting Health posts in Gorama Mende, Wandor and Nongowa Chiefdoms; in 2019, they were awarded the Commander of the Order of the Rokel by President Julius Maada Bio and currently supporting MoHS and NACOVERC in the COVID-19 response at national and district levels. In 2021, MSF Belgium expands operations in Kenema with 100 bed pediatric hospital, 50 bed CEmONC Maternity, robust outreach program and the MSF academy for healthcare with 110 nurses, 58 CHOs, 3 MoHS CHCs being trained