By Umaru Fofana
Nearly one year since the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone was declared over the country’s army has promoted the only doctor to recover from the disease and the officer who led the response on the side of the military.
A press release from Defence Headquarters says Col. Dr Foday Sahr – head of the military medical wing – now becomes a Brigadier-General, while Capt Dr Komba Songu-Mbriwah [Pictured] who got infected at the army's own treatment Centre while treating patients becomes a Major. Of the 11 doctors who got infected only he recovered.
Lieutenant-Colonel Abu Bakarr Bah, the Commander of the Engineer Regiment who constructed Ebola treatment centres, is now a Colonel.
The role of the army in containing the Ebola outbreak that hit Sierra Leone in 2014/2015 was roundly lauded by both local and international actors. They not only set up treatment centres and provided health personnel to treat patients, they also deployed troops to ensure people did not leave their quarantined homes whenever someone tested positive of the virus so as to stem its spread. Their treatment centre in Hastings, in the outskirts of Freetown, churned out the single highest number of Ebola survivors.
Meanwhile other officers also got promoted for other reasons. The Directorate of Defence Personnel announced a total of 34 promotions. Colonels Albert Kargbo, Daniel Yanka, Alhassan Bangura, Usman Turay, Sullay Sesay, Ronnie Harleston and Captain (Navy) Sallieu Kanu all become Brigadiers-General.
Lieutenants-Colonel Paul Koroma, Amara Idara Bangura, George Bangura, Sajoh Daramy, Wing Commanders John Gbondo and Michael Kamara all become Colonels.
© Politico 28/09/16
