Freetown, July 7, 09. (MOHS) – The Manager of the National Disease Surveilance Programme of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Dr, Alie Hafsa Wurie has described this year’s West African Health Organization’s (WAHO) theme: “Epidemic Control: A challenges for ECOWA Countries” as appropriate for Sierra Leone.
Addressing a Press Briefing held in the Conference hall of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation at Youyi Building, Dr. Wurie said even though Sierra Leone provisionally Certified a Polio- Free Country, yet the wild Polio Virus continues to pose a threat to the country, noting its presence in neighbouring Guinea and Liberia.
He told Newsmen that the Health Ministry’s Directorate of Disease Prevention and Control is currently receiving cases of Lassa Fever but addressed with the necessary interventions.
Dr. Wurie reiterated the Directorate’s stance in intensifying actions against the importation of the wild polio virus with a view to maintaining the certified standard of Sierra Leone, being a Polio- Free Country.
Commenting on the Yellow Fever outbreak in the Bo district, the Disease Surveillance Manager said the entire Bo district have been immunized according to WAHO standards of response.
On the Influenza pandemic H1N1, Dr. Wurie said the Health Ministry has put in place a Technical Committee to ensure that any case is detected early, Managed appropriately, and provide adequate protective and preventive measures.
Dr Wurie told the press that notwithstanding the efforts made by the Ministry, the country’s health infrastructures are still to be strengthened if they are to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in that direction.
Deputy Health and Sanitation Minister, Mohamed Daudis Koroma described the Disease Prevention and Control unit as one of the Ministry’s core programmes and commended the Disease Surveillance Manager and Team for the good work.
Mr. Koroma noted the resourceful collaboration with WAHO, and the impact the hosting of the Director General would make during the 22nd Anniversary of WAHO in this part of the ECOWAS region.
He also noted that Sierra Leone has been certified Polio Free but re-emphasized the need to redouble efforts against the wild Polio Virus importation from neighbouring States
The Deputy Minister underscored the importance of the Press in complementing the efforts of the Ministry through education and sensitization of communities on the epidemiological challenge, in making Sierra Leone a healthy nation.
The WAHO Liaison Officer, Tommy Tengbe gave an overview of the organization’s mission and objectives, adding that its 22nd Anniversary will be observed on Thursday July 9 at the Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown, with the Director General of WAHO as Guest of Honour.
He told the Press that WAHO’s V-SAT would also be launched on that day to strengthen its activities within Member States, and looks forward to the support of the press.
Vetran Journalist and Lecturer, Institute of Mass Communication, Fourah Bay Collage, Mr. Rod Mac- Johnson chaired the occasion.
JAK/MOHS/SLENA.
