Caritas Freetown Partners with Relief Agency in New Health Program in Sierra Leone

The Caritas Freetown official said that the ASHA program works to strengthen local capacity and to increase mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries by funding projects at schools, libraries, and hospitals that highlight U.S. values.

He said that the award through the ASHA program would focus on "at-risk youth and improving health outcomes."

To support the program, eight Universal Anesthesia Machines (UAM) will be purchased and placed at four faith-based hospitals throughout Sierra Leone. 

Ishmael said that the UAM was selected for the project as it was specifically designed to address obstacles many hospitals face in Sierra Leone such as intermittent electricity supply and lack of medical oxygen. 

He said that workshops and site visits will show the youth how the UAM is saving lives and improving health outcomes in their communities. 

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"Through these program efforts and other planned activities, the project objective is to have program participants feel more empowered over their future," the In Country Manager for HealeyIRF Sierra Leone said.

In his address at the press conference, Ben Parra Executive Director HealeyIRF said that the ASHA grant is a significant step forward in the foundation's work in Sierra Leone. 

He said, “The UAMs will not only provide a needed resource to the health facilities we support, but our partner Caritas Freetown has long worked with at-risk youth and this will help enhance their project efforts in this critical area.”

The Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, Fr. Peter Konteh, in his statement expressed optimism that through the HealeyIRF  program and other planned activities, participants would feel more empowered.

Fr. Konteh noted that HealeyIRF has been working in Sierra Leone since 2001 and has partnered with Caritas Freetown on a variety of efforts including disaster relief, delivery of healthcare service and education in the country.

He said the Innovate Your Future Project will be a two-year effort but will have a long-lasting impact on program youth and communities through a greater understanding of each country's shared values.

HealeyIRF has been working in Sierra Leone since 2001 and has partnered with Caritas Freetown on a variety of efforts including disaster relief, delivery of healthcare services, and education.

This story was first published by ACI Africa on 22 November 2022.

Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.