It’s been an excellent year for our health partnerships. I would like to take this opportunity to pass on my thanks, in the first instance to our partners in Somaliland, Sierra Leone, DR Congo and Zambia. These are the dedicated health professionals and educators, whose commitment drives this work forward, and it’s nothing but a privilege to collaborate with them. My thanks also to KGHP’s hardworking and talented staff team, and the many volunteers from across the NHS and King’s College London, who give up their free time to share expertise. Without their dedication, none of the work we do would be possible. In this time of unprecedented health and financial challenge, it’s a source of pride that we have worked together to make a real difference to patients in Somaliland, Sierra Leone, DR Congo and Zambia.
There are many achievements to celebrate. This year we have successfully completed two major projects focused on the reform of higher education in Somaliland and Sierra Leone. Low levels of knowledge, skills and confidence among health care workers are often a result of their pre-service education and training, and yet this is often neglected. Working in partnership, both projects have achieved wide-ranging reforms in professional education, preparing the next generation of health workers to provide high quality care. There is a need to continue to invest in the health workforce, and we keen to build on the gains we have made.
We were saddened by the terrible fuel tanker explosion in Freetown in November, which left over 100 Sierra Leoneans dead and many with severe burns. Our grateful thanks to all who donated to our public appeal, which will ensure that burns survivors have the best chances of recovery. Mass casualty events like these test the resilience of the health system, especially in a context where the Covid-19 pandemic continues to rumble on. We have continued to support government responses to the pandemic in DR Congo and Somaliland, working to build preparedness for future waves of the disease. Together with our partners, we are seeking to build health services, which can consistently provide high quality care, even in a crisis.
2022 holds many exciting opportunities for us, with new work to improve the survival of mothers and babies starting in Zambia and a province-wide training programme on safe surgery starting in DR Congo. We look forward to working together in partnership. With all good wishes for the festive period and for a healthy and happy new year!
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