14th October 2025

In a significant move to strengthen specialized healthcare, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has partnered with the Italian Association for Solidarity Among People (AISPO) to develop Sierra Leone’s first-ever postgraduate curriculum in hematology.

The strategic meeting, held at the MTHE’s Sababu Building, convened key leaders from the education and health sectors to establish a framework for the groundbreaking program.

MTHE Minister, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, hailed the initiative as a “milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward a comprehensive and sustainable hematology program.” She emphasized that the project aims not only to train specialist doctors but also to build a robust national framework for medical education, research, and service delivery.

The partnership builds on AISPO’s existing work to strengthen Sierra Leone’s blood transfusion services. Professor Fabio Ciceri, President of Hematology at AISPO, stated the initiative will integrate clinical training, laboratory development, and postgraduate education within the national higher education system.

Stakeholders from the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospital Complex (USLTHC), the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), and the Ministry of Health unanimously stressed the critical need for trained hematologists in the country. They recommended the new program combine clinical fellowships with academic training to ensure graduates are equipped for both service and research.

In a key action point, participants agreed to establish a Technical Working Group to guide the curriculum development and accreditation process. The University of Sierra Leone, through its accredited postgraduate structures, will take the lead in this effort to ensure timely implementation.

Deputy Minister of MTHE, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, closed the meeting by commending the partners and reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to advancing higher education and healthcare standards across Sierra Leone.
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