Freetown - August 20 – The Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) and the Sierraloaded SL News media outlet highlighted the simple welcome ceremony held by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) for Dr. Joe Amara Koroma, a young Sierra Leonean who recently completed his medical studies in Cuba.
Dr. Koroma thanked both the Sierra Leonean government and the Cuban authorities for the scholarship he received in 2014 and explained that he chose to specialize in cardiology to treat cardiovascular diseases, which today represent the leading cause of death worldwide and in Sierra Leone. He also thanked his professors for all the support he received in becoming a cardiologist trained at the prestigious Cuban Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, and for the opportunity to study for a master's degree in transthoracic echocardiography at the "Hermanos Ameijeiras" Clinical and Surgical Hospital, a reference center for medical care, teaching, research, and scientific and technological development. He acknowledged the influence on his professional development of the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, who served as his biochemistry professor in 2013. As a physician specializing in cardiology and transthoracic echocardiography, he feels committed to supporting the strengthening of Sierra Leone's healthcare system through prevention, training, and collaboration.
Minister Wurie expressed her pride in the achievements, highlighting the importance of academic partnerships between Sierra Leone and Cuba, while Vice-Chancellor Professor Aiah Lebbie praised his decision to return home and emphasized the urgent need for more specialist physicians.
Cuban Ambassador Norma Sánchez reaffirmed her country's support for training physicians for developing countries and called for stronger institutional cooperation.
Dr. Koroma's return is considered an important step in developing Sierra Leone's human capital and strengthening healthcare for the Sierra Leonean population.
Cuban Embassy in Sierra Leone