New Partnership Positions Sierra Leone as a Hub for Global Health Innovation

The Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health (PopFam) at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education to expand collaboration in education, training, and research.

Signed by Dr. Thoai Ngo, Professor and Chair of PopFam, and Hon. Chernor Bah, Minister of Information and Civic Education, the agreement represents a shared vision: to generate evidence, strengthen local expertise, and shape policies that improve health and development outcomes in Sierra Leone and across West Africa.

“Investing in research and training in Sierra Leone is not only vital for the country but also strategic for the region,” said Dr. Ngo. “Sierra Leone’s dynamic young population, its growing academic networks, and its commitment to gender equality and human rights make it a powerful hub for innovation in global health.”

Minister Bah emphasized the importance of this partnership for Sierra Leone’s future: “Sierra Leone’s greatest asset is its young people—and investing in their education is how we invest in our future. By deepening educational and research partnerships with Columbia University, we’re building a center of excellence in West Africa—one that generates the evidence we need to drive health, equity, and sustainable development. This kind of collaboration strengthens not just Sierra Leone, but the entire region.”

This partnership builds on PopFam’s half a century legacy of working alongside governments and communities around the world to address pressing health challenges. By anchoring collaboration in Sierra Leone, the Department and the Ministry aim to cultivate the next generation of leaders and ensure that evidence informs solutions to advance health, equity, and sustainable development.

Learn more about Sierra Leone.