Ministry of Technical and Higher Education Celebrates Return of Sierra Leonean Medical Scholar from Cuba
Aaron Parker The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has welcomed Dr. Joe Amara Koroma, a Sierra Leonean who recently completed his medical studies in Cuba as one of the top students.
Dr. Koroma thanked both the Sierra Leonean government and Cuban authorities for the scholarship he received since 2014, and explained that he chose to specialize in cardiology due to the global burden of heart disease and the shortage of specialists in Sierra Leone.
He credited Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie his former lecturer in 2013 for shaping his professional growth, and pledged to help strengthen the healthcare system through prevention, training, and collaboration.
Minister Wurie expressed pride in his achievements, highlighting the importance of Sierra Leone–Cuba academic partnerships, while Vice Chancellor Prof. Aiah Lebbie praised his decision to return home and stressed the urgent need for more medical specialists.
Cuban Ambassador Norma Sanchez reaffirmed her country’s support in training doctors for developing nations and called for stronger institutional cooperation.
Dr. Koroma’s return is seen as a significant step in Sierra Leone’s human capital development and the strengthening of its healthcare sector.