The National COVID-19 Emergency Response Center (NaCOVERC), presented two crucial reports to President Bio at State House on the 14th November, 2023 during which the President highlighted the Government’s well-informed strategies and response to the global pandemic, which garnered admiration from across the globe.
Dr. Amara Jambai, Head of the NaCOVERC delegation, conveyed pleasure in presenting two significant reports to the President: the Intra-Action Review Report (IAR) and the National COVID-19 Report spanning the period 2020-2022.
The IAR findings focused on reviewing Sierra Leone’s COVID-19 response in crucial areas like Surveillance, Laboratories, Case Management, Risk Communications, Food and Nutrition, and National Coordination, held on the 22nd and 23rd of September 2020. Dr. Jambai highlighted the exceptional efforts of strategic individuals—a military personnel, a finance expert, and a technical specialist—whose collective coordination set a benchmark for other nations. He credited President Bio’s leadership in guiding the nation through uncharted territory.
Acknowledging the inter-multi-sectoral approach led by the Presidential Task Force, Dr. Jambai stressed its pivotal role amid the global impact of COVID-19.
President Bio extended congratulations and appreciation to all involved, commending their resilience, collaboration, and effective crisis management. Drawing from the Ebola outbreak experience, he recognized the crucial roles played by the Police, Healthcare Workers, and Paramount Chiefs, emphasizing their significant contributions.
It’s notable that Sierra Leone confirmed its first COVID-19 case on March 31, 2020, becoming the last country in West Africa to do so. Shifting focus from prevention to delaying the spread, the Ministry of Health escalated its response on April 2, 2020, formally handing over lead response coordination to NaCOVERC, leveraging the institutional memory from the Ebola response structures.
