Sierra Leone

Freetown, (MOHS) _ The newly appointed UNDP Country Director, Benard Mokam has reiterated his organisation’s commitment to assist the Health and Sanitation Ministry with a comprehensive three year rolling capacity building programme.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the minister and senior officials of the Ministry at her Youyi Building Office, Mr. Mokam described Health as a high level priority in the UNDP’s Agenda, adding that human resource development is a key component in the health sector and would be strengthened for effective service delivery if the necessary frame work is provided by the Ministry.

 He described the World Health Organisation as their Focal Point and Specialised agency in health, adding that with other partners including the Ministry of Health, they could articulate development programmes on the way forward for a successful and sustainable decentralization process within the Public Sector Reform.

The minister lauded the Country Director for the proposed Capacity Building institutional arrangement  within the ministry and highlighted other priority areas which included Sustainable Waste Management strategy, Child Survival and Donor Support. The minister also spoke about the critical situation of the brain drain in the medical profession, and the need to improve the conditions of service for doctors and nurses

Mrs. Thomas briefed her guest about the newly established National Health Advisory Committee and the Accelerated Child Survival programme  which aims at reducing the high incidence of neonatal and infant mortality in the country.

 The minister wished the Country Director a happy stay and looks forward to the continued fruitful collaboration.

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kai M. Kpakiwa, the Director of Primary Health Care, Dr. Prince A. T. Roberts, the Director of Hospitals and Laboratory Services, Dr. Kisito S. Daoh and the Chief Nursing Officer, Matron Marina John also made meaningful contributions during the meeting.