Freetown, August 3, 09. (MOHS) – Health and Sanitation Minister, Sheiku Tejan Koroma has lauded the efforts of the Ministerial Leadership Initiative (MLI) in promoting global health as well as strengthening the capacity of Ministers.

Minister of Health Mr. Sheiku Tejan Koroma

Welcoming two visiting journalists from the (MLI) John Donnelly writer, and Dominic Chavez, Photograph, who are here on a mission to assist the Ministry in meeting some of its key challenges through Advocacy, Domestic and Global Reporting, Mr. Koroma noted that the Ministerial leadership Initiative for Global Health Started working with the Ministry since 2008 when it conducted a Case Study workshop at Country Lodge in Freetown.

He said he was happy to have the team, and looks forward to the successful intervention of their mission, adding that Maternal and Child Mortality Reduction is one among the Ministry’s challenges.

Mr. Koroma also intimated the team about plans for Sierra Leone to host the next West African Health Organisation (WAHO) Assembly of Health Ministers as well as current moves to meet with Donor Partners toward promoting maternal and child health care, using a Free Health Care Delivery service strategy.

Introducing the Team earlier, the MLI Focal Person in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Mr.  Mike Amara said the team, as part of their  mission would conduct interviews on the current issues and challenges facing the Ministry. The team, he added would also speak primarily to the donor community, as a tool for advocating for more support for capacity building work.

Making his remarks, John Donnelly said their work also entail global health coverage on International Health Communities, Photographs on people and infrastructures in relation to their work, and to show how Health Ministries are central to their work.

The mission would also work in close collaboration with the Ministry’s Communications and Public Relations Unit, to assist with effective strategies for communicating the Ministry’s work.

The MLI Initiative is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Ex-President of IreLand, Mary Robinson. This support culminates in a pooled Funding Approach to Financial Management in line with the Paris Declaration. It also focuses on strengthening the capacity of the Minister and team.

Sierra Leone is one of Five Countries benefiting from the MLI from 75 Applicants. The other countries are Senegal, Nepal, Ethiopia and Mali. SLENA reports.

JAK/MOHS/SLENA.