The World Health Organization (WHO) with funding from the Islamic Development Bank Group (@isdb_group) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (@sida), handed over essential medical supplies valued at more than US $430,000 to the Ministry of Health.

These supplies, which included laboratory equipment, blood safety supplies, and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) items, were distributed to hospitals and health centers nationwide. This initiative aims to strengthen diagnostic and SRH services, ensuring the availability of critical blood products for urgent needs and ultimately enhancing health outcomes for the Sierra Leonean population.

Sierra Leone has been working diligently to enhance its healthcare system and address the health needs of its people through a person-centered life stages approach. The country's health system has faced significant challenges, including limited access to essential medical supplies and equipment. This donation comes at a crucial time, providing much-needed support to improve healthcare delivery throughout the nation.

Dr. Innocent Nuwagira, the WHO Representative, presented the medical supplies to the Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, during a ceremony held at the WHO country office.

Reaffirming WHO’s continuous support, Dr. Nuwagira stated, "We are dedicated to supporting the Ministry of Health in improving health outcomes and building a resilient healthcare system for all Sierra Leoneans. These supplies, including advanced laboratory equipment, blood safety supplies, and SRH items, are essential for enhancing healthcare services across the nation."

Senior officials from the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency were also in attendance, emphasizing the significance of this donation.

Dr. Demby expressed his deep appreciation to these partners for their ongoing support, which plays a crucial role in achieving the ministry's health objectives.

He stated that, “our vision for Sierra Leone’s healthcare system is based on a life-stage and person-centered approach, ensuring everyone receives the care they need at every stage of life. This donation advances our goal of meeting diverse health needs, enhancing diagnostic services, and improving SRH care. Distributing these supplies nationwide will ensure critical resources reach those in need, improving health outcomes for all Sierra Leoneans. We are profoundly grateful for the continued partnership and support of WHO, IsDB, and SIDA.”

The Ministry of Health, with support of WHO and its partners, remains dedicated to enhancing healthcare delivery and ensuring that the donated supplies are effectively utilized to maximize their impact.

This strategic donation of essential medical supplies is one of the many interventions ongoing to ensure the strengthening of the health systems in Sierra Leone to accelerate the health for all agenda.