By Emma Black
A day in the life of one health worker in Sierra Leone
By Dr Sandra Lako
It’s 6:45 am on a Monday. As I head out the door, I put on a cloth mask and make my way to the paediatric outpatient clinic at the Aberdeen Women's Centre in Freetown. Unlike many places in the developed world where outpatient services have switched to telemedicine, here in Sierra Leone due to limited connectivity we are still doing in-person consultations. It is the only way to keep essential health services going, which is vital in a country with some of the highest maternal, child and infant mortality rates in the world.
The everyday health realities COVID-19 has eclipsed in Sierra Leone
By Makalay Saidiatu Sonda
“This is a failed resuscitation attempt tonight to save a new-born whose mother had had an obstructed labour at the Mosongo Health Care Centre in Njala for over two hours. We did not have the paediatric resuscitation tools, not even oxygen for a successful resuscitation. The mother survived… It was a joint effort of staff at the health centre and Njala University Hospital…”
The Sierra Leone Bar Association's letter to the police IG: The chicken coming home to roost
By Dr Ishmail Conte
Sierra Leone Bar Association’s letter to the Inspector General of Police dated 20 May 2020 was one that I read with much disdain and disappointment.
The letter has lent credence to one of the points I raised in my last article when I responded to their press release on the Pademba Road prison incident of the 29 April, hence my disappointment lies.
EID-UL-MUBARAK - A Clarion call for peace and national reconciliation in Sierra Leone
By Dr Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella (KKY)
On this Holy Day of Eid ul Fitr, may the Almighty answer our sacrifices and prayers and grant us the courage and fortitude to rise above our frailties and put SALONE FOS. We pray that this auspicious day of Eid ul Fitr will bring peace and goodwill onto all on Earth and protect our families and loved ones.
Fare thee well, Dr. Minkailu Bah!
By Ibrahim Jalloh (Jallomy)
The tragic news came in disbelief : Dr. Minkailu Bah passed on in the early hours of Monday, May 18, 2020. As the morning grew old, it became a confirmed reality that the man who served Sierra Leone as Minister of Education for almost 11 years was no more - totally consumed by death.
Trapped in my kitchen during a raging Freetown storm
By Mary Morgan
I couldn't batter down the door, I couldn't jump out the window, I couldn't phone anyone for help and no one was hearing my cries. There’s nothing like a real lock-in situation to put the current restrictions in perspective.
Here's the long version: