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The Partners In Health (PIH) has honored Dr. Sonia Spencer, Chairperson of the Board of Administration, and Professor Kehinde Oluwadiya, Chief Medical Director, during a ceremony held at the Secretariat of the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex (USLTHC).
The recognition celebrates sustained leadership, institutional transformation, and strong partnership in advancing healthcare delivery, specialist training, and research in Sierra Leone.
Speaking on behalf of PIH, Dr. Marta Lado reflected on the remarkable progress in residency training since the organization began supporting the Complex. She noted that when she first arrived in Sierra Leone in 2014, there were no resident doctors. Following the establishment of USLTHC in 2016, more than 120 residents have been trained over the past decade.
Dr. Lado highlighted significant improvements in residency programs, including the advancement of a Psychiatry specialist to fellowship training to become a consultant, while others prepare for membership training. She stated that the awards recognize the exceptional contributions of Dr. Spencer and Professor Oluwadiya in driving these achievements at the Complex. PIH, she added, remains committed to strengthening training and research as part of sustainable health sector growth.
In his remarks, Professor Oluwadiya underscored the transformative impact of PIH across Sierra Leone’s health system. Recalling his visit to Kono in 2022 to assess readiness for residency training, he described PIH’s groundwork as foundational and impressive. He noted that developments in several hospitals now align with international standards.
He emphasized PIH’s role in transforming the Psychiatric Hospital in Sierra Leone, stating that the organization’s contribution to national healthcare is significant and far-reaching. Beyond mental health, PIH supports Obstetrics and Gynecology services and contributes to strengthening Lakka Infectious Disease Hospital, one of the facilities within the Teaching Hospitals Complex.
Professor Oluwadiya also acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Health in facilitating accreditation processes through financial and institutional backing. He described the award as a testament to the work being carried out at USLTHC and credited much of the institution’s progress to Dr. Spencer’s vision, commitment, and leadership.
In her acceptance remarks, Dr. Spencer expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as an affirmation that perseverance and collective effort yield results. She thanked the Board, consultants, Secretariat staff, and partners for their shared commitment to strengthening the Complex.
The ceremony marks another milestone in the growing collaboration between USLTHC, PIH, and the Ministry of Health in advancing quality healthcare, specialist training, and institutional development in Sierra Leone.
