Post a comment 
The Government of Sierra Leone has taken a major step toward modernizing the country’s health sector following the successful conclusion of a five-day Data Science and Artificial Intelligence workshop for senior health leaders.
The training, held from 2–6 February 2026 at the Family Kingdom Resort in Freetown, was organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the National Public Health Agency.
According to the organizers, the workshop was designed to strengthen the capacity of senior health officials and decision-makers in data-driven planning, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence-supported health systems.
Among the participants were Acting Permanent Secretary Dr. Philip Kargbo, Director of Planning and Policy Dr. Tom Sesay, and Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Charles Sensesi.
During the sessions, health leaders underscored the transformative potential of data science and artificial intelligence in improving healthcare delivery across the country. They also stressed the importance of maintaining strong ethical governance, protecting data privacy, promoting equity, and ensuring measurable impact on citizens’ lives.
The five-day programme featured expert-led lectures, live demonstrations, practical exercises, and collaborative group work. It concluded with participants developing draft policy notes and actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening the integration of data science and AI into national health systems.
Organizers also confirmed the formation of a national network of trainers tasked with cascading the knowledge and skills acquired during the workshop across the broader health sector.
For the National Public Health Agency, officials said enhanced data analysis and AI capabilities are expected to improve early outbreak detection, enable real-time monitoring of health trends, and support more efficient allocation of resources.
The Ministry of Health noted that the tools introduced during the training would provide an evidence-based foundation for designing innovative, equitable, and inclusive health policies, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations.
Government officials described the initiative as a milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to build a resilient, transparent, and technologically advanced health system capable of protecting communities nationwide.
The workshop ended with the presentation of certificates to participants in recognition of their commitment to applying and sharing their newly acquired skills within their respective institutions.
Health authorities expressed optimism that the training would serve as a catalyst for long-term transformation, positioning Sierra Leone among the leading countries in digital health innovation within the region.
