Making the presentation to the beneficiary districts and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation in particular, CARE International Sierra Leone Chief of Party/Director, Epidemiology Control Reinforcement of Health Services, Gary Baldridge said the two institutions seek to help the government and people of Sierra Leone from what he referred to as the shock of the dreadful Ebola Virus disease.
He lauded the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and the government in their effort to contain the Ebola crisis, pointing out that the gesture was in appreciation of the commitment to boost surveillance in the four operational districts.
Mr. Baldridge said as part of their mandate they would continue to assist in the Water and Sanitation Health Project and other areas.
He expressed appreciation over the cordial partnership with the Health Ministry, hoping that it would continue for posterity within their project implementation.
The Deputy Chief Administrator Bombali District Council, Mr. Joseph Gando reiterated Council’s involvement in the project in performing its oversight role for the successful implementation of the project as well as in the health sector.
He told his audience that the Council would ensure that the Bombali District Health Management Team utilizes the vehicle for the intended purpose and on behalf of the Council and district thanked the Germany government and Care International Sierra Leone for the gesture.
Receiving the keys and the vehicles, Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation l, Madam Madina Rahman on behalf of the Ministry and government expressed thanks and appreciation for the provision of the vehicles, noting that they came at a crucial time to help the country in maintaining a resilient zero from the Ebola upsurge. Surveillance, the Deputy Minister said was very crucial to maintain a resilient zero and called on all Sierra Leoneans to restore community ownership to make the country Ebola free.
She said the country’s health care system was fragile when the Ebola struck, which calls for the need to increase resilient among the population.
Madam Rahman noted the situation of our survivors and encouraged communities not to stigmatize or isolate them as government considers their situation and well-being as part of human resource development.
Commenting on the handling and maintenance of the vehicles, the Deputy Minister strongly warned against the misuse of the vehicles, and warned the beneficiary districts not to utilize the vehicles for any use other than its intended purpose. She reiterated that the vehicles are meant for surveillance and supportive supervision, adding that defaulters would be administratively dealt with.
Cutting of the tape and engine testing climaxed the occasion.
