“It was in that room that CDC when they came to help us met with officials and they advised to get a bigger place and we made it clear that we will only move when the department has its own office. It was because of that reason the CDC contacted the Foundation under the Country Director Dr. Turshar Singh for us to get a bigger and better place.”
Dr. Jambai said they built the EOC building which was the first and that was where they worked until Ebola was eradicated. He said because of their commitment to keep Sierra Leone free of these diseases they have built another building which is two storeys that will help in the training of field officers.”
I want to thank the US government, the CDC and the Foundation as well as the military that allowed us to use their land for this project. All of these players have been very instrumental in the fight against Ebola and the continuing support and work to keep all the tropical disease out of the country. Although we still have one concern that we are still calling on the CDC to help us with.”
The CMO said Lassa fever is on the increase as it is now all over the country rather than the East where it was. He said he hope the CDC will come onboard to help them destroy that disease in the future.
The Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy Tomekah Burl averred that this year is now five years when the Ebola attacked Sierra Leone and she said during that period over 700 workers were sent in about 1000 deployment and they spent over $150 million.
“The CDC played a critical role in ending the Ebola working with other partners assiduously as well as establishing the first EOC building that came in handy as it provided the space, for all sections especially training, administration and 117. The new building will now be a command centre and CDC will occupy the top floor so that they will be close to the EOC staff.”
She said the US government is glad to work with the government of Sierra Leone and they will continue to support the government in the health sector and other areas to develop the country.
The deputy Minister of Health who is the keynote speaker Dr. Anthony Sandi said he has worked for decades in the ministry and know what it meant to have such a dedicated partnership in the health sector.
He called on the CDC and the Foundation not to relent and to continue to support the ministry in changing the picture of the health system in the country.
He thanked them and other partners and commended the CDC team that came from the USA for this programme.
“Now that we have so much space and quality service for the EOC, I believe that the country is fully equipped for any outbreak in the future.
Other speakers include deputy CMO for Public Health Dr T.T. Samba, Director of EOC Dr Mohamed Vandi, CDC Country Director Dr. Turshar Singh, CEO and President of CDC Foundation Dr Judy Munroe and Director CDC Global Health Dr Rebecca Martin.
After the opening of the second building, 11 Sierra Leoneans that completed the training on epidemiology received their certificates as they prepared to train another batch.
