AFENET Sierra Leone Shines at 8th scientific conference

In collaboration with the Kenya Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) organized the 8th AFENET Scientific Conference in Mombasa from November 5-10, 2023. The theme, “Strengthening Public Health Systems in Africa Towards Enhanced Global Health Security: The Role of Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programs,” drew participation from across the continent.

AFENET Sierra Leone made an impactful presence, sending a delegation of 13 Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) graduates to showcase their research through 4 oral and 9 poster presentations. The cohort included 11 FETP-Intermediate and two FETP-Frontline graduates. Dr. Mohamed Vandi, the FETP Director and Director of Health Security and Emergencies, Ministry of Health, led the delegation, accompanied by AFENET Resident Advisor Dr. Gebrekrstos Negash Gebru, Dr. Adel Elduma, the Scientific Writer, and two Mentors (Dr. Anna Jammeh and Amara Alhaji Sheriff).

Before their departure, the delegation received blessings and guidance from the honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby. Acknowledging AFENET’s achievement, the Minister commended the Sierra Leone FETP for the high number of accepted abstracts, reflecting the program’s quality. The newly appointed Director of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) also emphasized the significance of this achievement and the importance of showcasing Sierra Leone’s progress at such international events.

Participating in various sessions, including plenaries, concurrent oral sessions, and poster presentations, the Sierra Leone FETP demonstrated the depth of its research and commitment to public health. In the closing ceremony, Eldred Moore, a graduate of Sierra Leone FETP, secured the Best Poster Presentation award, underscoring the program’s excellence.

Dr. Mohamed A. Vandi and Dr. Gebrekrstos Negash Gebru were praised by the presenters for offering them a remarkable opportunity to represent Sierra Leone at this prestigious scientific conference. The Sierra Leone delegation expressed gratitude for the support rendered and committed to continuing their impactful work in epidemiology.

Reflections from SLFETP Abstract Presenters:

Samuel Turay (Cohort 6 – Intermediate): “This participation in the 8th AFENET will serve as a stepping stone to move up to a higher height. With the lessons learned, experiences gained, and gaps identified, we will continue to do more.”

Alhaji Conteh (Cohort 5- Intermediate): “We demonstrated our commitment to health service delivery in our country. It was a magnificent, remarkable, and learning experience.”

Dr. Samuel Bailor (Cohort 6 – Intermediate): “Indeed, it was a magnificent learning experience. This is one of the best and most educative scientific exposures in Africa as far as epidemiology is concerned.”

Josephine Amie Koroma (Cohort 5- Intermediate): “The success of the 8th Annual AFENET Scientific Conference is a testament to the collective strength, expertise, and dedication of everyone involved.”

Musu Cole (Cohort 13- Frontline): “The conference was a learning experience that has left an indelible mark on our lives.”

Isata Kamara (Cohort 6 – Intermediate): “The experience was great. We will surely use this experience in our lives as epidemiologists and scientific writers.”

Paul Santimans (Cohort 2 – Intermediate): “It was a great event that shows the strength of our program. We are ready to do more, conduct more scientific research that will put the SLFETP at the top among African countries.”

Remarks from Eldred Moor, Best Poster Presentation Winner:

“It was a very auspicious moment for me as we celebrated the success and completion of the 8th AFENET Scientific Conference. I am truly obliged for the great honor and recognition given to me by the management of SL-FETP and DHSE. The journey toward the iPoster presentation was not easy, but it was all teamwork. The entire conference was a learning experience for me, and with the award, I am more energized to move to the next tier (advanced) of FETP.”

Remarks from Dr. Gebrekrstos Negash Gebru, AFENET Resident Advisor:

“The Sierra Leone FETP, the first FETP-Intermediate accredited globally, has been continuously leading in getting abstracts accepted for regional and international scientific conferences. Teamwork prevails!”