The National Public Health Agency (NPHA), in partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), convened a three-day ISO 9001 Consultative Workshop from 3rd to 5th March 2026 at Country Lodge, Freetown. The initiative brought together directors, managers, and coordinators to strengthen institutional capacity and chart a clear path toward ISO 9001 certification.
The program was designed to orient participants on the principles and benefits of ISO 9001 standards, agree on certification milestones, and define roles and responsibilities in the accreditation process. Practical tools, including a gap analysis framework and a progress tracker, were introduced to support implementation and ensure accountability.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Prof. Foday Sahr, executive director of NPHA, emphasized the importance of quality management systems in building resilient health institutions. He reaffirmed NPHA’s commitment to achieving ISO 9001 certification and encouraged collaboration among stakeholders to embed quality as a cornerstone of public health practice. Dr. Clemens, Africa CDC Representative in Sierra Leone, echoed this message, stressing the significance of standardization across Africa’s health systems, sharing lessons from successful certification processes, and highlighting the need for continuous improvement.
The sessions were led by Dr. Eric N. Ikoona, the chief facilitator, who underscored that ISO accreditation is not simply a technical requirement but a transformative step for Sierra Leone’s public health domain. He explained that certification enhances credibility, fosters trust among partners and stakeholders, and ensures that NPHA operates with globally recognized standards. Dr. Ikoona stressed the importance of standardized procedures such as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which provide consistency, accountability, and efficiency in service delivery.
Several expert presentations enriched the workshop. Mr. Tamba Kamanda from the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau delivered a detailed presentation on the stages, requirements, and timeline for ISO 9001 certification, guiding participants through the process with practical slides. On the final day, Dr. A.K. Mbawah, Director of Administration and Human Resources at NPHA, spoke on the benefits and advantages of adopting certified quality management standards, emphasizing how accreditation strengthens institutional performance and service delivery. Dr. Michael Lahai facilitated a session on standardization for Sierra Leone, explaining how ISO 9001 can be contextualized to meet the unique needs of the country’s public health landscape.
Participants engaged in interactive exercises, including a case study using the 5S methodology, which allowed them to identify areas for improvement within their organizations and apply ISO 9001 principles in real-world scenarios.
The event concluded with discussions on contextualizing ISO 9001 for Sierra Leone, exploring certification benefits, and outlining next steps. By embedding quality as a habit and fostering collaboration, NPHA and its partners are building a culture of excellence that will strengthen public health systems and deliver lasting impact for Sierra Leone.
Public Relations Unit
NPHA-SL