The WHO Country Office in Sierra Leone continues its support to state institutions in the fight against COVID-19 with a donation of 50 Hand wash stations (200 liters complete with stand and bin), 3000 units of soap and 15000 cloth masks to the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education on 6^th October 2020.

The W.R a.i., Dr. Steven Valebo Shongwe, while making the donation to the ministry talked about the importance of maintaining the implementation of public health and social measures – frequent hand washing, use of sanitizers, wearing masks and physical and social distancing – in schools, colleges, universities and other learning institutions.

The W.R. ai further emphasized that the decision to close, partially close or reopen schools should be guided by a risk-based approach to maximize the educational and health benefit of students, teachers, staff, and the wider community; and help prevent a new outbreak of COVID-19 in the community.

“We know that school is a vital point of contact for public health and safeguarding services that are critical to the wellbeing of children and families. Given the improved position in the country at the moment, the balance of risk is now overwhelmingly in favor of students returning to school. For most students, the benefits of being back in school far outweigh the risk from coronavirus (COVID-19)” said Dr Shongwe. “However, this is better done in a phased approached” he added.

The W.R. a.i said one of the main goals of re-opening of schools and training institutions is to promote and ensure safe reopening, prevention of COVID-19 transmission and continued learning for all children. The public health advice guidance focusses on the use of face Mask in schools, vocational colleges and universities, clean hands thoroughly washed more often than usual, ensuring good respiratory and hand hygiene, enhanced cleaning of frequently touched surfaces often and using standard products such as detergents and disinfectants

“WHO is supporting the MOHS to ensure these public health measures are being instituted in schools, vocational colleges and universities” said Dr. Shongwe.

While receiving the donation on behalf of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, the minister Prof. Aiah Gbakima, thanked the WHO country office for the quick response to his request for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) items, which he said is timely considering that students are gradually resuming their on-site classes in the colleges and universities.

“I am not surprised by this timely response from the WHO. I have known many Country Representatives of WHO in Sierra Leone, and I must say they have always been forthcoming with their support to our institutions and the country in general” said Prof. Gbakima.

The minister informed that the universities and colleges have about 53,000 students – a huge number of people to deal with. But following the guidelines set by WHO and the National COVID-19 Emergency Response Centre (NACOVERC), the universities resumed on-site learning with batches of students, starting from the most senior who have taken their exams. Now another batch has resumed.

“And therefore, this donation is very important and timely. We want our students to learn, but more importantly we want them to be healthy, said the minister. He extended thanks to the WHO regional office and headquarters for all the support given to the Government of Sierra Leone.

Closing the event, Dr. Charles Njuguna, the Coordinator for Health Security and Emergencies in the WHO Country Office emphasized that the importance of these IPC items goes beyond fighting COVID-19.

“When we put these measures in place, we are not just saving ourselves from COVID-19 but many other bacteria which are likely to touch from many surfaces”. Dr. Njuguna said the WHO remain committed to supporting the ministry and Sierra Leone.