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The Ministry of Health has engaged laboratory leaders from clinical and public health institutions across Sierra Leone to discuss strategies for strengthening laboratory, diagnostic, and blood services nationwide.
The high-level meeting, held at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Freetown on Thursday, August 6, 2026, brought together laboratory leads from the Western Area physically, while representatives from provincial hospitals and abroad participated virtually.
During the engagement, the Ministry officially introduced the newly appointed leadership of the Directorate of Laboratory, Diagnostic and Blood Services, with Dr Donald Grant appointed as Director and Dr Samuel Williams as Programme Manager for Laboratory Services.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Clinical Services, Dr Mustapha Sundifu Kabba, said the appointments followed consultations aimed at addressing leadership and coordination challenges within the laboratory sector. He commended laboratory professionals for their dedication, noting that many challenges faced by the sector were linked to gaps in leadership and system organisation rather than a lack of commitment.
Dr Kabba urged laboratory professionals to support the new leadership, emphasising the importance of teamwork, professionalism, accountability, research, and innovation. He also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving staff welfare, career development, infrastructure, and access to modern diagnostic equipment.
He highlighted the critical role of laboratory services in healthcare delivery, including clinical decision-making, disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, and emergency response.
Speaking on behalf of the new leadership, Dr Samuel Williams expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him and pledged to work with laboratory teams across the country to improve coordination, build capacity, and expand access to quality diagnostic services, especially in underserved communities.
Newly appointed Director Dr Donald Grant outlined his vision of building a unified, resilient, and internationally recognised laboratory system based on quality improvement, research, innovation, and collaboration among clinical laboratories, public health laboratories, biobanks, and blood services.
Other health officials, including Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services Ibrahim Foday-Musa, welcomed the appointments and assured the new leadership of support in transforming the sector.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to strengthen Sierra Leone’s laboratory network and improve the quality of healthcare delivery nationwide.
