WHO donates vital laboratory equipment and vehicles to the Ministry of Health to strengthen Sierra Leone’s health systems.

Freetown, Sierra Leone, April 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO), with financial support from the Global Fund, has handed vital medical supplies and two brand-new Toyota minibuses to the Ministry of Health (MOH), Sierra Leone worth USD 432,000 to strengthen the country’s health system’s capacity. This donation forms part of the WHO’s World Health Days celebrations that will run year long. 

The vital medical supplies and equipment comprises of laboratory equipment including polarimeter digital, advance dissolution system (Sotax), infrared spectroscopy equipment, Lambda 365 PC Version, Agilent HPLC and many more   .

The donation forms part of WHO’s ongoing and unwavering efforts to support Sierra Leone in achieving its health goals and building stronger, more equitable health systems. These supplies will be used to strengthen the Pharmacy Board’s ability to conduct rigorous testing and quality control of pharmaceuticals and food products to ensure public safety. At the same time, the vehicles will facilitate the National Public Health Agency’s ability to conduct outreach and response activities in a timely, effective, and efficient manner for the communities faced with emergency needs.

Dr. George Ameh, WHO Country Representative, handed over the medical supplies, equipment, and vehicles and emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in building resilient health systems capable of delivering care to all. “This donation underscores WHO’s dedication to promoting universal health coverage across all life stages in Sierra Leone,” stated Dr. Ameh. 

“By strengthening the regulatory capacity of the Pharmacy Board and enhancing the operational capabilities of the NPHA, we are contributing to a more robust and responsive health system,” added Dr Ameh 

On receiving the medical supplies and vehicles, the Deputy Minister of Health for Sierra Leone, Professor Charles Senessie, said, “The Government of Sierra Leone appreciates WHO’s continued and invaluable support in strengthening the health systems in the country.” 

“This generous donation will significantly enhance the regulatory capacity for the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, ensuring a wider range of tests can now be conducted within the regulatory framework, thereby enhancing the safety and quality of pharmaceuticals and food products,” added Professor Senessie.

WHO remains steadfast in its commitment to working alongside the Ministry of Health and other partners to ensure all Sierra Leoneans have access to quality healthcare. 

WHO is grateful to the Global Fund for their invaluable support in strengthening Sierra Leone’s health systems and attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This support is crucial in ensuring that WHO can continue to deliver its support to health authorities, thereby ensuring all people receive dignified and quality health care.