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Annual Health Sector Performance Report 2016

Countries
Sierra Leone
Sources
Govt. Sierra Leone
Publication date
Origin
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The 2016 Health Sector Performance Report (HSPR) presents an assessment of how the health system in Sierra Leone has performed in 2016 –the first full year of health sector reconstruction after the Ebola epidemic. It is the first time that Sierra Leone has reported on a complete range of internationally agreed indicators that span the entire health system, and as such makes a significant improvement on previous HSPRs. This new, robust approach to monitoring and evaluation will support the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) to engage in effective health sector planning and decision-making going forwards.

The report reflects and builds on the mid-year review and annual review workshops that brought together a wide range of stakeholders to report on their activities, reflect on the challenges they faced, and look forward to 2017 to build on our shared successes. This included not only elected officials of the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) and representatives of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, but also development partners and a much larger role for civil society representatives than has ever been seen before. As such, I am confident that the report provides a comprehensive and honest assessment of how the health sector has performed this last year.

The MoHS remains committed to improving the health of the population through prioritising evidence-based, cost-effective interventions. This is the premise behind the strategic Health Sector Recovery Plan 2015-2020 and the operational Basic Package of Essential Health Services 2015-2020, and this is what will enable the Ministry to achieve the health-related targets in the Agenda for Prosperity 2013-2018. As this year’s HSPR shows, we are making steady progress in this direction.

The Government recognises the contribution of all actors in the health system to achieving our shared goals. This includes first and foremost the hard work of frontline health workers from doctors, nurses, and midwives,to community health workers (CHWs); but also the hard work of managers and technical staff across the MoHS at district and central level; health development partners; civil society representatives; the private sector; and of course the communities themselves. Under the Government’s leadership, and particularly the leadership of the Ministry, a strong, collaborative working relationship amongst all stakeholders will continue to be fostered to improve the health of the population.

Last year I committed to the annual publication and dissemination of the HSPR, and this year again I re-affirm this commitment. It is truly the most important report the MoHS produces, and I am proud to share it with all of you. I encourage all of us to use its findings to inform future plans to improve health in Sierra Leone, so that together we can deliver a strong, resilient health system that meets the needs of the whole population.

Dr Abu Bakarr Fofannah
Honourable Minister of Health and Sanitation