Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to support Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in filling the gaps in the country’s health services, for women and children, and support response to infectious disease.

He made this commitment during his visit at MSF’s office in Belgium on 14 February 2023.

On a statement shared on his Twitter page, President Bio confirmed that MSF has over the years been a valuable partner to Sierra Leone.

He added that they have been providing medical and humanitarian aid for nearly 40 years.

“I reaffirmed my Government’s commitment to support @MSF to fill gaps in our health services, for women and children, and support response to infectious disease,” Bio Twitted.

The President further discusses strategies for scaling the partnership and strengthening mutual collaboration.

Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders, is a charity that provides humanitarian medical care. It is a non-governmental organisation of French origin known for its projects in conflict zones and in countries affected by epidemics.

Since MSF first responded in Sierra Leone – during a cholera outbreak in 1986 – they have adapted and expanded their projects to meet the growing needs in the country.

Their teams monitor the spread of different diseases, including COVID-19, and is helping to boost the pool of skilled and qualified medical staff.

MSF currently runs medical projects in three districts, Kenema, Tonkolili and Bombali, helping the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to provide general and specialist healthcare, including for tuberculosis and HIV.