CDU Diplomats on Global Health Disparities Series: Focus on Sierra Leone( continued)
percentage of the nation’ s children receive a free education and women are well-positioned in technology occupations. STEM courses are a big drawing card, resulting in a large increase in professional scientists. There is also a huge financial commitment to health care and agriculture.
The 2014 Ebola outbreak that tragically swept Sierra Leone and the neighboring countries of Guinea and Liberia. It was a very challenging time, he noted, but many lessons were learned that prepared the country for COVID-19. Though feared to be a major staging ground for the pandemic’ s infection, Min. Kallon amplified the fact that Africa was well-prepared to ward off the pervasive harm inflicted by COVID in other parts of the world. Technology, he stated, was key.
Likewise, he noted, with HIV / AIDS prevention. Improvements in treatment produced very significant positive outcomes. Sierra Leone also recruited additional health professionals and created financial packages and other incentives for workers. The government has created a national disaster management system and an ongoing campaign of public education focused on treatment and prevention.
Mr. Kallon cited his own experience of having to wait six months to undergo an MRI, conducted in the US. That experience got him to thinking about those not as fortunate, without diplomatic access. The lesson taught him the need to collaborate to bring the resources to assist the local population, thereby developing a plan for a comprehensive national health system.
Following Min. Kallon’ s address there was follow-up. Sylvia Drew Ivie offered her personal thanks for these revelations, noting that building a comprehensive health care system is still in the works for low-income people in America.
It was also noted that CGA is working with the Minister of Health and Sanitation to bring additional assistance. Prof. Aharone observed that there is the assumption that everyone knows everyone else’ s story, so they don’ t communicate on a regular basis. He lauded the HBCU- African nation partnership because communication and instruction are critical.
Sarah Harrison stressed the importance of knowing both African and African American history. Mr. Kallon’ s response was centered on the importance of strong political leadership to mount a strong reaction to threats like COVID-19. Make sure that political leadership will tap into the local experience with best practices, he said. Mobilize the people and use them as the front line of the response, being well informed.
The Sierra Leone response to COVID-19 offered the right response: the right message and the right messenger. The application and use of data was also very effective, he noted.
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The lesson taught him the need to collaborate to bring the resources to assist the local population, thereby developing a plan for a comprehensive national health system.
CDU College of Medicine | PG. 22