Freetown, 1 August 2014 - The WHO Country Office in Sierra Leone on 1 August 2014 donated a consignment of assorted items worth US$38,000 to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation. The donation is part of WHO’s continued support to the government of Sierra Leone in the Ebola outbreak response. The various items included 3,000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to protect health workers particularly those that are directly involved in the management of cases in the treatment centres, the ambulance and burial teams. 

Part of the donation was provided by the Embassy of the Russian Federation through the World Health Organization and they included assorted consignment of first aid medical kits including medicines, medical devices and renewables, treatment guidelines, stationery among others for  the outbreak response interventions.

The support was officially handed over to Dr Abu Bakarr Fofanah  Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation on behalf of the Ministry by Dr Pamela Mitula on behalf of the WHO Representative. Presenting the items, Dr Mitula reaffirmed WHO’s continued support to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation in supporting the control of  Ebola outbreak. “This is a critical moment for the people of Sierra Leone and beyond that we all must strive to conquer together” she added.  

Receiving the items, Dr Fofanah expressed his appreciation to WHO and the Embassy of the Russian Federation stating that the donation was timely as the government has intensified its efforts in the fight against the disease.

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01 Dr Mitula (left) formally making the donation and handing over to Dr Fofanah
02 A brief handing over ceremony at the WHO Conference room
03 Some of the items being loaded into a truck for distribution to Kailahun and Kenema epicentres of the outbreak
04 Part of the items in the store at WHO Country Office