Today, February 18, 2025, the Ministry of Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Water Resources, and Sanitation through the Post Ebola Recovery Social Investment Fund (PERSIF) Project, has successfully concluded a weeks-long training session focused on the ownership and sustainability of PERSIF Infrastructure (i.e Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Health facilities constructed through the Project) in former Ebola hotspot communities across Sierra Leone. This training session aligns with the project’s upcoming closure, following the completion of the construction of WASH and Health Facilities. The project’s sustainability plan includes empowering community members with the knowledge and skills to take ownership and ensure the long-term sustainability of these facilities.
The training, which brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from beneficiary communities, including key figures such as Paramount Chiefs, Village Heads, City Mayors, District Council Chairmen, Chief Administrators, Health Workers, Teachers, Pump Mechanics, and representatives from the Ministries of Health and Water Resources and Sanitation, took place in Port Loko, Makeni, Kenema, and Kailahun District Headquarters towns respectively.
The primary objective of the training was to enhance the capacity of community members to own, manage, and sustain the PERSIF-constructed facilities independently, without reliance on external support.
The training was conducted by a team of experts, including a Health Practitioner from the Directorate of Primary Health, Ministry of Health, a WASH Engineer from the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and a representative from the District Council.
Key topics covered during the engagement included but were not limited to the following:
- The Nexus between WASH and Health;
- WASH Management Committee: Formation/Membership and Prerequisites for the Chairperson and Treasurer;
- Health Facility Management Committee: Membership and prerequisites for Chairperson and Treasurer;
- Infection prevention and control;
- Reportable events and Communicable diseases;
- Essential Community-Based Services of CHWs Services package;
- Grievance Redress Mechanism; and
- Roles and Responsibilities: District Councils, Committee Members, Health Workers, and the Community in the Maintenance and Sustainability of WASH and Health Facilities.
The training was divided into two sections: Section 1 was the official Open Courtesies including the welcome address, opening remarks, declaration of Purpose/objective of training, and statements from key stakeholders. Section 2 was the training proper which saw facilitator-led sessions on training modules, group exercises, interactive activities, questions/suggestions and answers, and recommendations for the sustainability of the project infrastructure.
The completion of the training marked a significant step towards ensuring the sustainability and proper management of WASH and Health Facilities in the beneficiary communities. With enhanced capacity and knowledge, community members are now better equipped to maintain and sustain these vital infrastructures, contributing to improved health and well-being in their communities.
