March 5th, 2024
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Africa Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), are set to host a four-day workshop from March 5th to March 8th, 2024. This event will mark a pivotal moment in strengthening the nation’s healthcare infrastructure by focusing on laboratory mapping data utilisation and analysis training.
The primary objective of the workshop is to enhance the capacity of key stakeholders within the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA). By focusing on managing, visualising, and updating the LabMap dataset on national laboratory capacity, participants will be equipped with the skills necessary for efficient data utilisation and analysis.
This initiative aims to facilitate the seamless handover and hosting of the LabMap dataset on a dedicated Ministry of Health (MoH) country portal. By doing so, Sierra Leone will establish a robust foundation for data management, ensuring real-time updates and accessibility for stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum.
Beyond the technical aspects of data management, the workshop will also delve into enhancing data analysis skills. By providing participants with advanced analytical tools and methodologies, the goal is to empower decision-makers with valuable insights. Strengthening these skills will contribute to more informed and effective decision-making processes within the public health sector.
Recognising the interconnected nature of healthcare, the workshop will extend its focus beyond data management and analysis. Participants will receive hands-on training on utilising data visualisation tools to effectively communicate findings and recommendations. This skill set is crucial for conveying complex information in a clear and accessible manner, fostering collaboration, and ensuring a collective understanding of public health challenges and solutions.
As Sierra Leone strives to fortify its public health system, this workshop represents a significant step forward. By equipping healthcare professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to harness the power of data, the nation is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and responsive healthcare infrastructure.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Agency, and the Africa Society for Laboratory Medicine underscores the importance of collective efforts in addressing public health challenges. With a focus on capacity building and skill enhancement, Sierra Leone is poised to emerge as a leader in leveraging data for the greater good of its citizens.
Stay tuned as we follow the outcomes of this transformative workshop and witness the positive impact it promises for the future of public health in Sierra Leone.
