SUMMARY OF LEH WE TALK TO THE MINISTER WITH DR. AUSTIN DEMBY, MINISTER OF HEALTH AND SANITATION – THURSDAY 13TH APRIL 2022

By: Charles Champion Conteh -Strategic Communications Unit, MIC

On Thursday the 13th of April 2023, the Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, played host to his colleague Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby, on “Leh We Tok To D Minister’, the only Minister talk show that has now become the most popular ‘Facebook live’ programme on Government communications. This is a summary of the discourse for the benefit of those who for one reason or the other could not log on in real time. We hope you log into the Live programme next Thursday. During the two hours Facebook interaction, the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby highlighted a range of issues, starting from where the health status quo was and where it is currently and exclusively spoke about the phenomenal growth in the health sector under President Bio’s watch. Dr. Demby emphasised that under his watch as Minister, Sierra Leone has made some phenomenal reforms including the drastic reduction of infant mortality and maternal mortality rates. “This progress has seen and made us fly above countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Guinea and Liberia, especially on the mitigation and reduction of deaths” Dr. Austin Demby. The Minister also spoke about the increased budget allocation to the sector and the provision of "On the wheel Care” and medical buses, which have mitigated many healthcare problems in the country. He said these facilities have also attracted Sierra Leoneans to more accessible healthcare facilities even in sub communities in the country. The Minister of Health and Sanitation also talked about the massive and indiscriminate vaccination coverage, and on the provision of more ambulances that will quickly enable people to have access to primary facilities and referral centers. The Minister of Information and communications, Mr Mohamed Rahman Swaray stated in his submissions that all these phenomenal reforms are happening because of the astute leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, who he emphasized, deserves a second term to continue with his development strides.