A view of the building
The newly rehabilitated, upgraded and improved Western Area District Health Management Team (DHMT) building has been commissioned on Wednesday May 23, 2018 at the DHMT office, Cline Town in Freetown.
The project was undertaken by Concern Worldwide with funding from UKaid in partnership with International Rescue Committee (IRC).
The Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Amara Jambai, underscored the importance of having such a building, adding that it will help the DHMT work efficiently and effectively and move to the next level by ensuring that mothers and their children have access to the facility.
He reiterated that what the UKaid have provided to the DHMT of the Western Area is a cognizant of the fact that with the building, they will perform their duties better, and make sure that the people of Sierra Leone get better health services delivery.
Dr. Jambai thanked Concern Worldwide, UKaid and International Rescue Committee (IRC) for their support, and assured them that the last person in the western area will have access to health care.
DFID Policy Adviser, Desmond Woode, disclosed that the successful completion of the UK funded construction and rehabilitation works was through the now ended 38.5 million pound Resilient Zero programme.
He said the core focus was to help strengthen district health capacity and DHMTs across Sierra Leone to have systems and structures in place to prevent, detect and respond to outbreaks of communicable diseases.
Mr. Woode reiterated that the programme’s goal is to improve quality of care and improve access and availability of health services, particularly for women and children. He added that, over the last year, they also funded construction and rehabilitation of eight emergency obstetric and neonatal facilities, adding that this building will help deliver improved maternal and child health services.
He stated that improving health in Sierra Leone is DFID’s top priority, and they will deepen their strong partnership to help government deliver positive health outcomes for Sierra Leone.
Country Director, Concern Worldwide, Sofia Goinhas, said the programme aimed at supporting the Government of Sierra Leone to bring and keep Ebola at zero.
She said the expansion and rehabilitation of the District Health Management Team (DHMT) or of any health facility, represents a long term commitment by DFID, Concern and International Rescue Committee (IRC) to support the sustainable strengthening of health systems and human resources for health.
The District Medical Officer, Western Area and Chairman for the ceremony, Rev. Can. Dr. Thomas Samba, described the event as a hallmark of great achievement in the history of Western Area Urban district, adding that a great product has emerged out of their common efforts.
He expressed appreciations to Concern Worldwide, UKaid and International Rescue Committee for their support in making their dreams come true, and urged staff that as they believe in the change theory in the New Direction, they have to stand the test of time.
Uncovering of plaque, handing over of keys and a conducted tour of the facility formed high point of the ceremony.