By Kemo Cham
The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces Medical (RSLAF) team is set to construct isolation facilities to help boost the country’s campaign against the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
The project which will be implemented by the medical unit of RSLAF, was made possible with the support of the US government. The support entailed the loaning of key logistical equipment to the Community Care Center of RSALF, located at its Peace Mission Training Center in Hastings.
A statement from the US Embassy said the support entails peacekeeping and counterterrorism equipment which will be used to construct the isolation facilities for mildly symptomatic patients.
“In support of the ongoing battle against COVID-19 in Sierra Leone, the United States is teaming up with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) in order to meet the specific needs of Sierra Leone at a critical time,” the statement reads in part.
The equipment include two water purification units, five support vehicles, four ambulances, and a water bowser. They also entail two generators and 53 tents with cots and bedding.
Additionally, according to the statement, the US-based nonprofit organization Spirit of America donated $3,500 to assist the RSLAF with logistical support. Spirit of America supports the safety and success of Americans serving abroad and the local people and partners they seek to help.
“As COVID-19 spreads around the world, one key element to minimizing the spread is providing a safe and secure place for positive COVID-19 patients to isolate from the rest of society. In a large city like Freetown, it is challenging to find the space to create these types of facilities,” said the statement.
The US Mission in Freetown said the development is a result of a meeting between U.S. Ambassador Maria Brewer and Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Defense, Colonel (Retired) Muana Brima Massaquoi on May 22.
The US embassy statement noted that the gesture represented a “prime example” of how U.S. long-term investment in security cooperation and peacekeeping-capacity building can pay significant dividends while making a difference when and where it matters most.
“Security assistance and capacity-building partnerships enable U.S. allies and partners to take charge and respond quickly and decisively to unforeseen crises, like the COVID-19 global pandemic. This collaborative effort is one of many examples that demonstrate why the United States remains the global security partner of choice. The United States enjoys a warm partnership with Sierra Leone, and we will continue to stand together during this challenging time,” it added.
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