MABINGUE NGOM
PRESIDENT Dr Julius Maada Bio, of Sierra Leone, knows what a pandemic can do to a country’s socio-economic pillars and even national psyche.
His country, together with Guinea and Liberia, survived the ravages of the 2014-2015 Ebola virus disease outbreak.
It therefore comes as no surprise to see how like many other African leaders he has shown commendable leadership in responding to COVID-19 pandemic in the region.
Immediately the COVID-19 threat was identified, even before Sierra Leone registered its first case, Maada established an inter-ministerial committee to guide on policy in relation to COVID-19; activated the national emergency operation centre to level two; heightened risk communications, rapid training and prepositioning of supplies at strategic locations and enhanced the country’s diagnostic health laboratory facilities.
All these measures, which are similarly being implementing across the African continent, are a reminder of the key lessons learned in combating emerging pandemics such
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
