On Friday, December 18, 2015, the Sierra Leonean government commemorated “outstanding persons/organizations in the fight against Ebola.” An award ceremony and reception were hosted by His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma in Freetown. Among the awardees were members of the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Consortium’s (VHFC) team from the Kenema Government Hospital (KGH).
Mr. Augustine Goba, Director of the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Laboratory at KGH, received a Bronze Medal “in recognition of his diligent and dedicated service in the fight against Ebola especially as a [Viral Hemorrhagic Fever] Lab Scientist who diagnosed the first Ebola case in Sierra Leone and led the Ebola testing activity nationally until other [Ebola Virus Disease] Labs were established.”
In addition, Sierra Leone posthumously honored members of VHFC who contracted Ebola Virus Disease and tragically passed away during the outbreak, including Dr. S. Humarr Khan, who received an award “in recognition of his pioneering efforts and dedicated service in the fight against the Ebola Virus Disease and for making the ultimate sacrifice,” and Nurse M’Ballu Fonnie who was awarded for her “diligent and dedicated service in the fight against the Ebola Virus Disease at the Government Hospital, Kenema and also for making the ultimate sacrifice.”
Mr. Augustine Goba, Director of the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Laboratory at Kenema Government Hospital receiving his award.
Mr. Goba with His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma.
Award recipients.