By Ibrahim S, Bangura
Freetown, Thursday 6 August 2026 — The Ministry of Health has unveiled a bold vision to overhaul Sierra Leone’s laboratory, diagnostic, and blood services, engaging clinical and public health laboratory leads nationwide in a high-level meeting at its Conference Hall in Freetown. The session, which connected provincial and diaspora professionals virtually, marked the formal introduction of Dr. Donald Grant as Director of Laboratory, Diagnostic and Blood Services and Dr. Samuel Williams as Programme Manager for Laboratory Services.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer – Clinical Services, Dr. med Mustapha Sundifu Kabba, announced the appointments, stressing that they followed extensive consultations to resolve longstanding leadership and coordination gaps. He urged laboratory professionals to rally behind the new leadership, noting that “the success of the Director and Programme Manager will be the success of the entire laboratory workforce.”
Dr. Kabba underscored the indispensable role of laboratory services in clinical decision-making, disease surveillance, and outbreak response, while reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to staff welfare, career progression, and modernization of infrastructure. He highlighted ongoing investments in advanced diagnostic equipment aimed at reducing reliance on overseas testing.
Joining virtually, Madam Doris Harding, Programme Manager for the Public Health Laboratory Network, hailed the appointments as pivotal for innovation and quality assurance. She encouraged professionals to contribute ideas and solutions to strengthen teamwork and coordination.
Dr. Williams pledged to decentralize diagnostic services for wider access, while Dr. Grant outlined a vision for a unified, resilient, and internationally recognized laboratory system anchored in research, innovation, and collaboration. Senior stakeholders, including Mr. Ibrahim Foday-Musa of Hospital and Ambulance Services, Dr. Jude Williams of the Biobank, and Senior Scientist Mr. Allen Campbell, expressed strong support for the transformation agenda.
The meeting closed with a collective commitment to build a stronger, integrated laboratory network capable of delivering high-quality healthcare for Sierra Leoneans.