On 18th December HE the President of Sierra Leone recognized individuals who made an exceptional contribution in the fight against Ebola in Sierra Leone. The following 6 WHO staff members were among  those on the honour roll

Gold Medal:

Mme Bintou Keita
Presidential Citation: “In recognition of her support to the Government and people of Sierra Leone during the Ebola crisis, especially her role as Ebola Crisis Manager (ECM) for the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response. Madame Keita established a strong relationship with Sierra Leone based on trust.”

Silver Medal:

• Dr Zabulon Yoti
  Presidential Citation: “In recognition of his support to the Government and people of Sierra Leone during the Ebola crisis. As the Deputy Country Representative of WHO, Dr Yoti is noted for ensuring strong coordination between the technical arm of WHO and NERC in making strategic decisions.”

• Dr Margeret Lamunu
  Presidential Citation: “In recognition of her immense support to the Government and people of Sierra Leone during the Ebola crisis. As the Technical Lead for WHO in the outbreak response, Dr Lamunu worked tirelessly to coordinate WHO’s response in support to NERC and in the field, bringing with her experiences from Nigeria and Liberia where she previously served.”

• Dr Patrick Otim
  Presidential Citation: “In recognition of his support to the Government and people of Sierra Leone during the Ebola crisis. Dr Otim is noted for revision the Contact Tracing Strategy in Kambia and initiating the Joint Surveillance/Social Mobilisation Team Approach that increased community engagement and allowed detailed and thorough case investigation in the District.”

• Ms Ishata Conteh
  Presidential Citation: “In recognition of her diligent and dedicated service in the fight again Ebola, especially as an Epidemiolgist with exceptional investigative skills. She is noted for her role in unearthing hidden transmissions such as in Koinadugu and in the Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom.” 

Bronze Medal:

Mr Assefa Yewondwossen
Presidential Citation: “In recognition of his dedicate and exemplary service at the National Ebola Response Cetre Situation Room during the Ebola crisis, especially in the area of mobile data collection. His role in supporting Njala University Colleghe in the development of a mapping course is worthy of note.”

Congratulatory message from Dr Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa to the honorees

“On behalf of the WHO, I extend our sincerest congratulations to you on being honoured by the Government of Sierra Leone for your dedication to improving the lives of people in the country. We are extremely proud of the excellent work that you have done. We have every confidence that you will continue.

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Below:

01. Mme Bintou Keita

02. Dr Zabulon Yoti, Dr Margeret Lamunu

03. Dr Patrick Otim

04. Ms Ishata Conteh

05. Mr Assefa Yewondwossen