Strengthening Sierra Leone’s health system in the wake of the Mpox outbreak has reinforced the need for coordinated and sustained partnerships. In response, Healey International Relief Foundation (HIRF), MAP International, Pee Cee & Sons (PCS), and the Foundation for the Localization and Innovation of Global Health Technologies (F.L.I.G.H.T.) collaborated to deliver three shipments of essential medicines and supplies to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA). A formal handover ceremony was held at the NPHA Emergency Operations Center In November to acknowledge the donation and recognize the collective effort behind it.
Advancing System Resilience Through Collaboration
In a statement Dr. Anjan Saha, Co-Founder and Chairman of F.L.I.G.H.T. and Assistant in Clinical Anesthesiology at Columbia University noted. “The Mpox outbreak has shown how quickly diseases can spread and strain health systems. Continued access to medicines and protective equipment is essential to protect frontline workers and stop transmission. This donation reflects our mission at F.L.I.G.H.T. to strengthen local capacity with the right tools at the right time—not only for Mpox but for long-term health system resilience.”
This focus on readiness aligns closely with Sierra Leone’s public health priorities. Dr. Mohamed Alex Vandi, Deputy Executive Director of the NPHA, emphasized the significance of preparedness, stating, “We cannot prevent all outbreaks, but it is how we as a Public Health Institution respond to them that defines our strength. With these medications at our disposal, we will make good use of them when needed.”
The donation included more than 450,000 gloves, 350,000 masks, 760 gowns, and thousands of antibiotic treatments—resources that strengthen both immediate response capacity and long-term preparedness as the country transitions from outbreak management toward broader system strengthening.
Delivering Supplies That Support Continuity of Care
HIRF Executive Director Josephine Garnem reflected on the partnership’s strategic approach, “Our role at Healey International Relief Foundation has never been to replace government, nor to operate in parallel. Our role is to complement and support the Government of Sierra Leone—as partners walking together—so that the resilience and strength of the health system grows from within. We are deeply honored to continue this work in alignment and collaboration, especially with NMSA and NPHA. Our commitment is simple: no community should be left behind in the pursuit of health and dignity.”
Receiving the materials on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Moses Batema, Director of Pharmaceutical Services and Chief Pharmacist, underscored the importance of coordinated delivery and equitable distribution saying, “This support strengthens our systems and helps us respond more effectively when the need arises. These medicines and supplies will be distributed strategically and transparently to ensure maximum impact across health facilities.”
Addressing Daily Health Needs Beyond Emergencies
While outbreak preparedness remains essential, the long-term strengthening of health systems requires consistent access to medicines that address the leading causes of preventable illness and death. Through ongoing partnerships with MAP and International Health Partners (IHP), HIRF is able to supply treatments targeting maternal health needs and noncommunicable diseases—conditions that affect communities every day.
These supplies include medicines for hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, and sickle cell disease, as well as supplements and life-saving therapies that support maternal and newborn health. In 2025, HIRF provided:
- 100,000+ maternal health treatments, including prenatal vitamins and medicines used to prevent eclampsia and postpartum hemorrhage
- 61,000+ treatments for hypertension
- 18,000+ treatments for diabetes
- 16,000+ supportive therapy treatments for sickle cell disease
- 5,000+ treatments for epilepsy
These medicines were distributed to hospitals and rural health facilities across 13 districts, supporting continued care delivery, reducing treatment gaps, and strengthening the foundation for a more resilient health system.
“This work is only possible through partnership. Together, we are building a foundation of consistent access to essential medicines—supporting maternal health, chronic disease treatment, and long-term system resilience across Sierra Leone,” noted Ms. Garnem.
Shared Commitment to a Stronger Future
The ceremony concluded with a shared sense of purpose. As Sierra Leone continues to reinforce its public health infrastructure, partnerships such as the collaboration between HIRF, NPHA, the Ministry of Health, F.L.I.G.H.T., MAP International, Pee Cee & Sons, and IHP will remain essential in ensuring communities are better protected, better equipped, and better prepared for the future.
“This partnership reflects more than the delivery of medicines,” Dr. Vandi said. “It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we act together for the health and safety of every Sierra Leonean.”
