Farewell Programme for the Departure of USAID Global Health Security Agenda Advisor Dr. Monica Dea
Today, 2nd December 2020, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation together with its partners bids Dr. Dea a farewell. The Ministry expressed its appreciation to Dr. Dea for the passion she has for GHSA and her contribution towards strengthening the IHR core capacity.
In his remarks Dr. Mohamed A. Vandi (Director – DHSE) spoke of the enthusiasm and passion Dr. Dea has for strengthening the Sierra Leone health system, he reiterated the fact that during the EPRRG meetings, it would be good if Monica would still continue to participate and ask questions through the virtual system as and whenever she has an opportunity to join our sessions. Mr. Harold Thomas (RCSM Lead) noted that and I quote, ” Monica, you have been so supportive and honest during your time here. Your new place is incredibly lucky to have you. Keep doing the good things you have been doing. The sweet memories of working with you will be very hard to forget” End of quote.
Dr. Charles Njuguna– from WHO commended Dr. Monica for the passion she has for GHSA work and its related activities adding that during her stay with us she has made a huge impact in the GHSA Platform. Mr. Mukeh K. Fahnbulleh (EPR-Manager) reminded her of the first time they met in Liberia, adding that when he knew that Monica has been sent to Sierra Leone, he was elated because he knew right then that Dr. Monica being posted here would be a huge benefit to not only the GHSA Programme as a whole but also all the colleagues that she will be working with, as we all have had the opportunity of learning and sharing knowledge with her one way or another. Mr. James Fofanah the Chief of Party Breakthrough ACTION, commended Dr. Dea in his statement saying, “Your support to Risk Communication for both preparedness and response to the outbreak has been so immense and impactful. He further noted that through her role now Sierra Leone is in a very good state of readiness to continue to effectively tackle the current COVID-19 outbreak and any future zoonotic disease outbreak in the country.”
A gift was presented to the GHSA Advisor from the Ministry to show our sign of appreciation. Dr. Dea upon receipt of the gift was so overwhelmed with the love shown by the entire Directorate of Health Security and Emergencies. She expressed her satisfaction over the tremendous progress made in Sierra Leone with regards to preparedness and responding to outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic. She further highlighted all the gains made within the animal sector and she also encouraged the country team and partners to continue the strong collaboration to ensure the One Health approach is sustainable in the country going forward.
