Freetown, June 29, 09. (MOHS)–The Visiting Child Health Project Officer from the West African Health Organisation {WAHO}, Dr. Yves Mongbo has expressed WAHO’s continued commitment to providing Technical and Financial support to countries that demonstrate the urge for the implementation of the National Polio Immunization Days {NIDS} exercise.

Visiting Child Health Project Officer WAHO Dr. Yves Mongbo

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Health and Sanitation Minister, Mr. Sheiku Tejan Koroma at his Youyi Building Office, Dr.  Mongbo lauded Sierra Leone for its outstanding performance in the implementation of the NIDS to a satisfactory level.

He told the Minister and Senior officials of the Ministry that WAHO’s Mission aimed at ensuring quality health care for the ECOWAS population by harmonizing health policies, pooling available resources, mobilizing adequate resources to improve health indicators, control major diseases in the sub region and promote partnerships and cooperation.

From left: WAHO , Liaison Officer, Mr. Tommy Tengbe and WAOH Visiting Child Health Project Officer Dr. Mongbo

Dr. Mongbo after his provincial tour over the week end said he was impressed with the Ministry’s strides towards the reduction of maternal and child mortality in the country, and congratulated the Minister and team for the handwork.

Responding, Health and Sanitation Minister, Mr. Sheiku Tejan Koroma noted WAHO’s contribution towards improving immunization coverage in the ECOWAS countries, and the promotion of maternal, child and newborn health in the sub region.

He noted WAHO’s continued assistance in the area of capacity building, human resource development through training and other logistical and financial support to strengthen the country’s health care delivery system.

Mr. Koroma reiterated government’s continued efforts to reduce the high incidence of maternal and newborn deaths through the Reproductive and Child Health Strategy Programme, and thanked WAHO for reorganizing the Ministry’s efforts in promoting child survival.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mongo after a supervisory tour in the City of Bo with WAHO’s Liaison Officer, Mr. Tommy Tengbe interacted with District Medical Officers, School Authorities, Nurses and the Directorate of Disease Prevention and Control on plans for the forthcoming WAHO Day July Nine this year.

JAK/IMK/MOHS/SLENA.