The Ministry of Health in Sierra Leone has welcomed a new Country Director for Doctors with Africa CUAMM. Dr. Abiodun Amodu Raheem assumed the role following a leadership change within the organisation. Outgoing Country Director, Mr. Michele Soci, formally handed over leadership to Dr. Raheem during a meeting with senior health officials in Freetown on Monday, 5 October 2026. The meeting marked Dr. Raheem’s first official engagement with the Ministry.

Senior officials present at the meeting included the Deputy Minister of Health II, the Chief Medical Officer, and the Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between CUAMM and the Ministry of Health. Dr. Raheem introduced himself to the Ministry’s leadership and reaffirmed CUAMM’s commitment to supporting health service delivery in Sierra Leone.

Dr. Raheem presented CUAMM’s position paper on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), highlighting concerns over the rising burden of chronic illnesses and the need for stronger health system responses. The organisation is keen on addressing the growing health challenge in Sierra Leone. The Ministry of Health is also interested in collaborating with CUAMM to improve healthcare delivery.

The meeting reviewed ongoing collaboration aimed at improving healthcare delivery, particularly in hospital and ambulance services. Both sides expressed their commitment to continuing and strengthening their partnership. The Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services reaffirmed its commitment to working with development partners, including CUAMM, to support national health priorities.

The meeting also served as a farewell occasion for Mr. Michele Soci, who has completed his tenure as Country Director in Sierra Leone. Health officials acknowledged his contributions to strengthening cooperation between CUAMM and the Ministry during his time in the country. Mr. Soci’s departure marks the end of an era, but officials are optimistic about the future.

Officials expressed readiness to continue working with CUAMM under Dr. Raheem’s leadership, with a focus on improving hospital services and broader health system performance. The Ministry of Health is eager to work with Dr. Raheem to address the country’s health challenges. Dr. Raheem’s experience and expertise are expected to be valuable assets in this endeavour.

The handover ceremony marked a significant milestone in the partnership between CUAMM and the Ministry of Health in Sierra Leone. As Dr. Raheem begins his new role, he is expected to build on the progress made by Mr. Soci and further strengthen the collaboration between CUAMM and the Ministry. The future of healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone looks promising with this new development.

Key points

  • Dr. Abiodun Amodu Raheem takes over as CUAMM Country Director in Sierra Leone.
  • CUAMM and the Ministry of Health discuss strengthening cooperation and improving healthcare delivery.
  • Dr. Raheem presents CUAMM’s position paper on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) to the Ministry of Health.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.