Sierra Leone News: RSLAF Undertakes Simulation Exercise
By Stephen V. Lansana
The Ministry of Defense/Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (MOD/RSLAF) on Thursday July 25, 2019, launched a three day Simulation Exercise on Ebola/ infectious diseases, in preparation of future outbreak, at the Peace Mission Training Center (PMTC), Hastings in Freetown.
The launching which was done in collaboration of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, with support from International Partners, attracted experts and representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Chinese Medical Team, ISAT, US Embassy, government officials, and health workers across the country.
About 120 health worker (60 from Ministry of health and 60 from RSLAF) will benefit from the training which started on July 25.
The purpose of this exercise is to train health workers on how to handle cases of infectious diseases; to test the country’s preparedness in handling future outbreak; and to allay the fears of the country. This is the third time the RSLAF is doing simulations exercises in the country.
In the 2014/2015 Ebola outbreak in the country, there were 14, 124 probable/ suspected cases; 8, 706 confirmed Ebola cases and 3956 deaths.
The Deputy Minister of Defense Rtd Colonel Sheriff said that this simulation exercise is part of the post Ebola contingency plan, adding that it will have some reality estimate because it will inform the reality which will be faced tomorrow. “We are all gathered here to evaluate the exercise,” he said.
Commandant of PMTC ,Colonel G.M. Bangura said that during the 2014/2015 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, it was a general outcry, and after the Ebola, it was strongly recommended by the Public Health Community that such exercises should be conducted to ensure that public health emergency response system is in place, starting that such exercises can improve coordination; develop enthusiasm, knowledge, skills and willingness to participate in emergency responses; test the equipment, and improving standard operating procedure, among others.
“To be here today, we have a unique opportunity that can transform our nation and strengthen health security,” he said.
In his Keynote address, the deputy minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr Anthony Sandi said that this exercise is very important because it will be able to mitigate infectious diseases including Ebola, adding that it will entails how to mitigate it. He appealed to the public to be part of the simulation exercise because the management of disaster will involve everybody.
Lieutenant Colonel Steven Sevallie said that the Rapid Deployable, Isolation and Treatment Facility were established in 2016, by the British government so that the country will be able to respond appropriately to any emergencies specifically Ebola epidemics.
He said that the rationale for the exercise to be better prepared and be able to deploy within 72hours and be able to cater for and provide treatment for about 36 cases of Ebola without any external aid.
“From 2016, we have been able to provide training exercises for personnel and health workers. This is the fourth simulation exercise we are doing at different locations.”
He appreciated the department of Infectious diseases and control of the US Embassy for donating equipment for Infectious diseases and control, adding that it helps to strengthen the supply capacity so that the country will be able to respond appropriately to any outbreak. He also thanked the Chinese Medical Team, ISAT and other partners for supporting the country with equipment and structures that will mitigate future outbreak, adding that the country now has the capacity to mitigate any diseases that fall within the category of infectious diseases. “This exercise is a continuous activity,” he said. “We are not doing it because of the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo.”
The Director of Health Security and Emergencies, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Dr Mohamed A. Vandi disclosed that unlike the previous outbreak in which majority of the cases were taken to the treatment center in Kenema, but now the country has created Isolation Unit and Triage in every district, adding that Kenema particularly has a 43 beds for infectious diseases with the help of partners. “Now, every district will be able to effectively control the spread of any outbreak,” he said.
