He noted that his Government’s commitment in advancing the issue of the health of Sierra Leoneans especially for children under-five and pregnant women is paramount. He expressed his commitment to providing accessible and affordable health care services to all Sierra Leoneans.
President Koroma however maintained that achievement in the health sector can only be realized through strategic partnership, and therefore welcomed the expansion and support from the United States Government.
He informed the gathering that the greater part of funds in the fight against malaria have come from international partners, noting that the 15-million-dollar support is a great boost to the collective effort in Sierra Leone’s fight against malaria as it will close the gap in implementation of strategies and activities set out in the National Malaria Control Strategic Plan 2016 to 2020.
This support he said is geared towards preventing and reducing malaria deaths and in the long time completely eliminates it.
He admitted that Malaria is the most common cause of illnesses and deaths in the country which contributes to about 38% child mortality. “No child should die of Malaria, a disease that is preventable and treatable,” he maintained.
In her statement, the American Ambassador to Sierra Leone Maria E. Brewer stated that fighting malaria is one of the smartest investments that will protect health, create opportunities and foster growth and security.
She opined that the fight against malaria requires global commitment so that families and children will be protected from this cruel disease.
According to the Ambassador, PMI will work together with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, partners and communities to implement evidence based malaria interventions which will include the purchase of insecticide-treated bed nets and ensure they are delivered to households particularly to expecting mothers and the newborns. She noted that the support will include testing and treatment of confirmed cases.
