The government of Sierra Leone has sent a team of 20 qualified medical personnel to Rwanda to assist in combating the ongoing Marburg virus outbreak. The deployment marks a milestone for the country as it extends its reach in global health security.

The medical team, led by Professor Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the National Public Health Authority (NPHA), will provide vital training, resources, and care to those affected by the outbreak. The deployment comes as a result of a strategic personnel development plan launched by the Vice President a year ago, which aimed to enable Sierra Leone to send medical teams to neighboring countries in times of crisis.

Addressing the departing team, Vice President Dr. Juldeh Jalloh emphasized the importance of their mission, noting that their assistance would serve as a pillar of strength in Rwanda’s fight against the virus. He recalled Sierra Leone’s own experiences in battling similar outbreaks and expressed gratitude for the support the country has received from its neighbors.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also expressed its appreciation for Sierra Leone’s contribution to the global health response. A representative from the CDC commended the country’s commitment to developing a strong public health workforce and highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing emerging health threats.

The deployment of the medical team to Rwanda underscores Sierra Leone’s growing role as a leader in global health security. Through its collaboration with the Ministry of Health, WHO, and NPHA, the country has demonstrated its commitment to providing essential support to countries in need.