The U.S. CDC teams have this week provided technical assistance to Sierra Leonean partners in the health sector, including training and workforce development.

These trainings build on long-standing U.S. CDC-Sierra Leone partnership. Strengthening infection prevention and control is crucial in responding to the epidemics and pandemics, and is fundamental to good healthcare. Effective infection prevention and control protects both patient and healthcare workers from disease.

The aim of the program is to build capacity of healthcare workers to detect, prevent and control infections and help combat antimicrobial resistance.

The program has produced 43 graduates from 2 cohorts, currently the 3rd cohort of students is being trained.

Pictured:
U.S. CDC-Sierra Leone’s John K. Amara, a nurse and workforce development officer, is seen with Lakka Government Hospital (TB infectious facility) staff reviewing infection prevention and control data and practices.

U.S. CDC-Sierra Leone’s Dr. Rugiatu Kamara, a physician and lead for infection prevention and control and antimicrobial resistance, conducts a supervision and mentorship visit at Kabala government hospital with staff trainees of the National Advanced IPC Training Program.

Credit: U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone