Freetown, Mar. 17, 09. {MOHS} – Health and Sanitation Minister, Mr. Sheku Tejan Koroma has stressed the need for the training of more qualified personnel in the field of health promotion.

70. From right : Hon. Minister Sheku Tejan Koroma making his speech, Director Primary Health Care, Dr. Alhassan Seisay, and Madam Nana of UNICEF.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a four day Training of Health Staff and other partners in health promotion held at the Council of Churches of Sierra Leone {CCSL} conference hall in Freetown, the Minister underscored the importance of the workshop noting that it would help strengthen capacity by enhancing new ideas and skills that would articulate standards in health care delivery services.

The High Table: From Right, Dr. Daniel Fussum WHO Officer, Acting Chief Medical Officer, and Chairman for the Ocasion, Dr. K .S Daoh, and Hon. Minister Sheku Tejan Koroma

Mr. Sheku Tejan Koroma told his audience that government is committed to make available affordable and accessible quality health care delivery services for the entire population, and expressed gratitude and appreciation to the world Health Organisation {WHO}, UNICEF and other partners for their continued support to the Ministry, the government and people of Sierra Leone.

 

David Nyamwaya, Regional Adviser

The WHO Health Promotion Regional Adviser, Office for Africa, Dr. David Nyamwaya said the focus of health promotion is to ensure the participation of individuals in the overall health care delivery system, adding that it empowers the individuals and group of people to address the problems and issues of public health..

Cross Section of Participants

Dr. Nyamwaya described health promotion as an investment that produces productivity, and focuses on behavioral change, social marketing, and advocacy among other key issues.

Mr Sahr Hemore, Health Education Programme Manager delivering the vote of thanks.

The Acting  the WHO Representative, Dr. Daniel Fussum told his audience that investment in health promotion articulates actions for the reduction of mortality, and could avert disaster, adding that health promotion is also one of the main programmes in public health that focuses primarily on many Killer diseases through preventive strategies and methods.

JAK /IMK /MOHS /SLENA.