At the inaugural Dinner and Awards Ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) in partnership with the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (SLANGO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, was honored for its significant contributions to improving healthcare in Sierra Leone.

The event, held on Friday, October 11, 2024, at the New Brookfield Hotel, saw over 40 NGOs recognized for their efforts in advancing the nation’s health and development goals

MSF was specifically awarded for its long-standing commitment to reducing preventable diseases and enhancing maternal and child healthcare services, particularly in Bombali and Tonkolili districts.

The organization was praised for its efforts in supporting government health systems, mobilizing resources, and delivering life-saving care to some of Sierra Leone’s most vulnerable populations.

“We are deeply grateful to the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development for this recognition,” said Abi Kebra Belaye, Head of Mission for MSF in Sierra Leone. “This award underscores the importance of our collaboration with the Ministry of Health and reaffirms our dedication to ensuring access to quality healthcare for those who need it most.”

MSF has been active in Sierra Leone since 1986, providing free healthcare services across several regions. Their current projects focus on supporting the Ministry of Health by offering free medical care to children under five, pregnant women, and lactating mothers in Kenema and Tonkolili districts.

Additionally, in Bombali, MSF has been instrumental in expanding access to tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment for both adults and children.

In 2023 alone, MSF facilitated 152,000 outpatient consultations, assisted in 27,100 births, treated 11,800 malaria cases, and initiated TB treatment for 2,150 people in Bombali. Their contributions have been essential in improving healthcare outcomes in some of Sierra Leone’s most underserved areas.

MoPED’s recognition of MSF comes at a crucial time as Sierra Leone pushes forward with its Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030), aiming to strengthen health systems and improve the quality of life for its citizens.