Held at Bintumani Hotel Conference Hall, Aberdeen, Freetown | Friday, 14th November 2025
On Friday, 14th November 2025, the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), convened the Sierra Leone–China Symposium on the Prevention and Control of Major Infectious Diseases and International Cooperation. Held at the Bintumani Hotel Conference Hall in Aberdeen, Freetown, the event marked a significant milestone in bilateral health diplomacy, scientific exchange, and epidemic preparedness. It brought together senior government officials, international experts, and public health professionals to reflect on shared experiences, deepen technical collaboration, and chart a path forward in the joint fight against infectious diseases.
The symposium began with individual prayers, setting a tone of reverence and unity. The chairperson for the occasion was Dr. Abdul Mbawah, Director of Human Resources at NPHA, who was introduced by Madam Doris Harding, Laboratory Lead at NPHA. Their presence underscored the institutional leadership and technical stewardship that have guided Sierra Leone’s laboratory systems through multiple public health emergencies. Seated at the high table were Dr. Haimo Shen from China CDC, Professor Foday Sahr, Executive Director of NPHA, and Dr. Sartie Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Haimo Shen delivered the welcome remarks and introduced the purpose of the meeting. He thanked the Ministry of Health, NPHA, and all attendees for their presence and engagement. He highlighted the longstanding relationship between Sierra Leone and China, spanning over a decade of collaboration in emergency response, workforce training, and climate-related health initiatives. He reaffirmed China CDC’s commitment to data sharing, joint research, and global health security, emphasizing that these efforts are guided by principles of scientific solidarity and mutual respect.
Professor Foday Sahr followed with a deeply reflective statement on the purpose and evolution of public health institutions. He acknowledged the inception of the NPHA two years ago under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, noting that since its establishment, the agency has successfully navigated the Mpox outbreak and proudly reported zero cases in the past two weeks. He offered a powerful definition of a public health agency, stating, “A public health agency exists to protect its people when the world is most uncertain. It stays calm when others panic. It sees patterns when others see chaos, and it acts decisively when action is most difficult.”
Professor Sahr stressed the strategic partnership that the Republic of Sierra Leone has built with the People’s Republic of China. He reiterated that China has fundamentally invested in and transformed Sierra Leone’s laboratory capacity, positioning the country as a regional hub for disease detection and prevention. He made specific reference to the Jui Biosafety Level 3 (P3) Laboratory, established through Chinese investment, technical expertise, and sustained mentorship. This facility now anchors Sierra Leone’s national disease detection and genomic surveillance capacity. Since the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak, the Jui lab has enabled rapid identification of novel pathogens and provides real-time genomic data that informs not only Sierra Leone’s response but also regional epidemiological intelligence across West Africa. He emphasized, “This is not merely infrastructure. This is a long-term, strategic partnership rooted in shared commitment to regional security. Through the Jui (P3) lab, we have helped stop outbreaks at their source. Shared science, reciprocal learning, and regional health security leadership have strengthened Sierra Leone’s capacity.”
In his final remarks, Professor Sahr underscored that what truly matters is the future of Sierra Leone’s partnership with China. He called for continued and expanded investment in the Jui (P3) Laboratory, the expansion of fellowship and training programs, and the establishment of a formal joint research partnership between Sierra Leone and China, with both countries as co-authors and co-leads. He ended by thanking China for believing in Sierra Leone’s future.
Dr. Sartie Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer, also delivered a compelling statement. He described the symposium as a bonus for Sierra Leone, representing a convergence of science, leadership, and shared responsibility. He emphasized that the gathering was not just another meeting, but a call to action. A recognition that in today’s interconnected world, the health of one nation is inseparable from the health of others. The symposium, he noted, comes at a time when the global community is learning to live with the legacies of pandemics and preparing for the uncertainties ahead. It is about sharing and exchanging knowledge, questioning established practices, and collectively shaping the next phase of disease prevention and response. Dr. Kenneh acknowledged the steadfast contributions of partners including WHO, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and other institutions whose continued support strengthens Sierra Leone’s collective capacity for preparedness and response. He concluded by expressing hope that the symposium would inspire practical action, enduring partnerships, and measurable outcomes that protect the health and wellbeing of the people.
Following these keynote statements, representatives from U.S. CDC, China CDC, Africa CDC, WHO, HEADA, the Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, and other partners delivered brief remarks reinforcing their commitment to Sierra Leone’s public health goals. After the partner statements, Dr. Sartie Kenneh officially declared the symposium open.
The technical sessions featured presentations from various directorates within the Ministry of Health. Dr. Mohamed Boie-Jalloh from the Directorate of Planning and Research, Madam Doris Harding from the Laboratory Directorate, and Dr. Joseph Sam Kanu from Surveillance provided an overview of Sierra Leone’s efforts on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Dr. Boie-Jalloh also presented on behalf of Dr. Mustapha Jalloh, offering an epidemiological update on Mpox in Sierra Leone. From China CDC, Sr. Li Shizu shared insights on China’s experience in malaria and neglected tropical disease control, as well as progress in China–Sierra Leone collaboration. Additional presentations were made by Dr. Wang Lili, Sr. Qi Xiaopeng, Dr. Kan Biao, and Dr. Han Jun, all representing China CDC.
The day concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Alex Vandi, Deputy Executive Director of NPHA. He expressed deep appreciation to all participants, partners, and organizers, reaffirming NPHA’s commitment to translating the symposium’s outcomes into actionable strategies. Dr. Vandi emphasized that the spirit of collaboration and shared learning must continue beyond the event, guiding Sierra Leone’s public health journey into the future. The symposium ended with thoughtful prayers, sealing the day in gratitude and hope.
The importance of this symposium cannot be overstated. It represents a convergence of technical expertise, diplomatic goodwill, and visionary leadership. For Sierra Leone, it affirms the country’s emergence as a regional leader in disease surveillance and response. For China, it reflects a deepening commitment to global health solidarity and South–South cooperation. The symposium on the Prevention and Control of Major Infectious Diseases and International Cooperation is not just a meeting, it is a strategic investment in the future of public health. It strengthens institutional capacity, fosters scientific exchange, and builds trust between nations. In a world increasingly shaped by health emergencies, this partnership offers a model of resilience, reciprocity, and shared responsibility.
Public Relations Unit
NPHA-SL