Head of DFID interacts with Health Minister

Freetown, Feb. (SLENA) – Head of the Department for International Development (DFID) Sierra Leone and Liberia, Mr. Phil Evans has paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Miatta Kargboat her Youyi Building office in Freetown to discuss issues relevant to the improvement of the country’s health care delivery system.

Congratulating the minister on her new appointment, Mr. Evans reiterated DFID’s continued support to Sierra Leone, maintaining that with the relationship with the ministry in line with their country programme they would continue to collaborate in strengthening the health system, maintain the integrity of the drugs supply chain management, the Free Health Care Initiative and to support and tackle key issues towards achieving the Agenda For Prosperity.

Health and Sanitation Minister, Madam Miatta Kargbo expressed her determination and commitment to work with partners like DFID as she looked forward to a good working relationship.

She said DFID has been very supportive in complementing the efforts of President Koroma who is highly committed to ensuring quality, accessible and affordable health care delivery services for its citizens.

Madam Kargbo reiterated her commitment to working with partners like UNICEF, UNFPA and other line ministries and NGOs in the fight against teenage pregnancy by providing social and legal protection and the necessary education.

She said she would continue to champion the cause on teenage pregnancy, adolescent health, strengthening health care financing with the help of local councils and partners through effective supervision, monitoring and evaluation of all programmes and health facilities in the country.

The Minister underscored the importance of human resource capacity building for Hospital Managers to move the health care delivery system forward, the establishment of Regional Diagnostic and Laboratory centres, improved Tele Medicines universal coverage and internal and external post graduate training on key specialist areas to fill the human resource gaps in the health facilities.

Madam Kargbo advocated for more technical assistance and continued support to meet the challenges ahead.

Health Adviser, Ozu Gilpin, Head of Human Development Department DFID, Susan Mshana  and other support through Options, UNICEF and other implementing partners spoke on some key health indicators on maternal and child health, water and sanitation, etc.  

Challenges in providing quality health care and access to facilities and referral system in rural communities formed part of the deliberations.    

JAK/MOHS/SLENA

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