By Sallieu S. Kanu
On January 26, 2024, CARE Sierra Leone, funded by the German Government through the German Development Bank (KfW), donated four hard-top Toyota Land Cruisers to the Ministry of Health as part of CARE’s Epidemic Control and Reinforcement of Health Services (ECRHS) program.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Honorable Jens Kraus-Massé, the German Ambassador; Dr. Austin Demby, the Minister of Health; Mr. Balla Sidibe, CARE West Africa Regional Director; Rachel Wolff, Country Director of CARE Sierra Leone and Liberia; Mr. Michael Alandu, CARE Program Quality and Partnership Director; and Dr. Sartie Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer, alongside District Medical Officers and other notable figures.
Under the broader Health Systems Strengthening initiatives supported by the German Development Bank (KfW), the ECRHS program aims to consolidate gains in epidemic control and enhance sexual reproductive health and rights in Sierra Leone. A key focus of the program is the imperative need to reduce maternal mortality in the country.
Dr. Sylvester Epiagolo, CARE Health Director, emphasized the significance of the four vehicles as a crucial contribution to logistical support for the District Health Management Teams (DHMT), led by the District Medical Officers (DMO). This support is anticipated to enhance service provision, facilitate project activities, and ensure effective monitoring and supervision in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines.
German Ambassador Honorable Kraus-Massé stressed the importance of sustained collaboration for positive health outcomes, while Dr. Epiagolo reiterated CARE’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s health sector as essential partners. Rachel Wolff, the Country Director of CARE Sierra Leone and Liberia, affirmed CARE’s dedication to collaborating with the Ministry of Health for improved healthcare service delivery, especially in remote communities.
Balla Sidibe, CARE West Africa’s Regional Director, highlighted the significance of CARE’s partnership and good working relationship with the Government as the optimal approach for delivering sustainable healthcare services.
Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby expressed gratitude for CARE and the German government’s timely intervention in strengthening the health sector. He shared the government’s commitment to prioritizing health and assured that the donated vehicles would be instrumental in driving and supporting the work of the District Medical Teams for positive health outcomes.
The allocated vehicles were assigned to the District Health Management Teams (DHMT) in Bo, Kambia, Tonkolili, and Bombali, with the initiative aiming to fortify Sierra Leone’s healthcare infrastructure, focusing on epidemic control, and advancing sexual reproductive health and rights. A representative of the DMOs expressed appreciation for the donation, pledging to utilize it to enhance their work and ensure beneficiary service satisfaction.