Updates from Key Meeting with USLTHC Board, Paediatrics Delegation, and International Partners

On Tuesday, 5th November 2024, the Board of Administration at the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospital Complex (USLTHC), led by Dr. Sonia Spencer, and Acting Chief Medical Director Prof. K. S. Oluwadiya, hosted a pivotal meeting with several stakeholders. This included the Department of Paediatrics, represented by Dr. Nellie Bell (HOD), a team of neurologists from Cardiff, Wales, World Child Cancer, and the Welbodi Partnership.

This meeting marked a significant step forward in advancing healthcare services, especially for paediatric care in Sierra Leone.

Key Highlights

1. Progress in Paediatric Care
Dr. Nellie Bell, Head of the Department of Paediatrics, outlined recent achievements in the paediatric sector. These include:

• Training programs for pharmacists, paediatric residents, and nurses.
• Facility upgrades aimed at improving paediatric oncology services.

These efforts underscore a commitment to building capacity and enhancing the quality of care for children with cancer.

2. Continued Support from World Child Cancer
Representatives from World Child Cancer acknowledged the impact of their support in training and education. They reiterated their dedication to strengthening this partnership, ensuring sustainable improvements in paediatric oncology services in Sierra Leone.

3. Residency and Research Growth at USLTHC
Prof. K. S. Oluwadiya highlighted significant progress in residency training programs, which are producing more specialists and consultants within Sierra Leone. Additionally, the launch of the Sierra Leone Journal of Medicine is fostering local research, a vital element in advancing evidence-based healthcare.

4. Cardiff Team’s Vision for Paediatric Oncology
The neurologists from Cardiff emphasized their commitment to supporting paediatric oncology research and surgeries. With the opening of a new children’s hospital in Lumbly and the recent hiring of a consultant anaesthesiologist by the USLTHC Board, there is now a greater potential to perform critical paediatric oncology surgeries locally.

5. Board’s Dedication to Paediatric and Neurosurgical Services
In her closing remarks, Dr. Spencer reaffirmed the board’s focus on advancing postgraduate medical education and research. However, she also emphasized the urgent need for additional resources to improve children’s cancer care and paediatric neurosurgery.

The Chairperson also discussed ongoing efforts to establish neurosurgical services at Connaught Hospital. She noted that the Cardiff team’s vision for paediatric neurosurgery aligns with this goal, presenting opportunities for future collaboration.

Moving Forward

This impactful meeting concluded with renewed commitments to strengthen healthcare services in Sierra Leone, particularly for children. The combined efforts of the USLTHC Board, local and international partners, and dedicated specialists are paving the way for transformative changes in paediatric and oncology care.

Communications and Media Officer, USLTHC