On the 30th of April 2024, Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, embarked on a significant exchange of ideas with esteemed professors from Harvard University, focusing on shared expertise in the realm of health and the public health landscape.

Welcoming three distinguished Harvard professors to the discussion, namely Professor Fatema Z Sumar, the Executive Director at the Harvard Center for International Development, Dr. Jesse B. Bump, Executive Director of the Takemi Program in International Health, and a lecturer on Global Health Policy in the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and Asim Khwaja, the Director of the Center for International Development (CID) at Harvard University, marked a crucial step in fostering collaboration between Sierra Leone and one of the world’s leading academic institutions.

The dialogue encompassed a broad spectrum of topics, delving into the significance of public and global health, while also exploring mutual interests in advancing global public health initiatives, particularly within underserved communities. Harvard University, known colloquially as the Crimson, stands as a pinnacle of learning globally, boasting ten academic faculties and the Harvard Radcliffe Institute. Notably, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate academic disciplines, while other faculties exclusively offer graduate degrees, including professional degree programs.

During the interaction, the First Lady engaged with the University Professors on various fronts, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in bolstering Sierra Leone’s healthcare system. Additionally, discussions centered on exploring potential partnerships to enhance healthcare delivery, especially in light of the First Lady’s endeavors to improve the newly constructed 600-bed 34 Military hospital.

In a reflection on the meeting, the First Lady expressed her profound appreciation for the alignment of vision and determination between herself and the Harvard professors, particularly in their shared commitment to overcoming challenges for the betterment of society.

“I was truly pleased when I realized how similar we were in our drive to disregard excuses and get things done for the benefit of those we care for and humanity in general. I look forward to more meetings with you, my sisters,” she remarked.

The exchange underscores the importance of leveraging global expertise and collaboration to address pressing healthcare challenges and underscores the commitment of Sierra Leone’s First Lady to driving positive change in healthcare delivery and public health outcomes.