IFMSA African Regional Meeting 2020 - Sierra Leone Invitation Package

INVITATION PACKAGE

3 4 8 10

Table of

CONTENTS

13 14 17 19 20 22 25 27 28

SIERRA LEONE MAP WELCOME LETTER ABOUT FREETOWN MESEESSAGE VENUE & ACCOMMODATION PRE-ARM THE THEME TRANSPORTATION VISA REGISTRATION VISA P OST-ARM OC MEMBERS BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS CONTACT US

Sierra Leone Map

Welcome Letter

Dear IFMSA Africa, Greetings and a warm welcome to the City of 'Lion Mountains' located on the West Coast of Africa. On behalf of the Organising Committee, I'm pleased to invite you to the 16th Africa Regional Meeting (ARM2020).

For the very first time Sierra Leone will open its doors to its beloved region. What some time ago used to be a dream; is now a reality.

Our theme for this year's Regional Meeting "Emergency Response: The Right Act in Time Saves Lives", selected about a year ago, could not have come at a better time. As an association, we never thought such a nightmare in the form of the coronavirus pandemic could come and ravage the entire globe.

Seeing as how better sophisticated healthcare systems all around the world are finding it cumbersome to contain this virus, Africa with its fragile healthcare system is in for serious challenges.

If there’s one key thing that history has taught us with regards medical emergencies like outbreak of diseases and natural disasters, it is that a well-prepared medical system is what a country needs the most if it wants an immediate response. Ebola came knocking in 2014, and our nation was crumbled by it. This is a terrible experience that will surely linger in all of our hearts forever, especially to those who lost loved ones. With a steady rise in the infection rate of Covid19, no one can predict what the next couple of months holds.

Setting up a medical team that is well prepared to handle a pandemic, doesn’t start when the pandemic comes knocking. We need to be way ahead.

Policies must be put in place to tackle future outbreaks or disasters.

As a region, converging, sharing experiences and brainstorming on issues that happen to be the same across the region will have us well-equipped as future healthcare providers.

The Regional Meeting is a perfect platform.

Over the last couple of months, the Organizing Committee has been working relentlessly to give you the very best of experience in the history of IFMSA. My ultimate gratitude goes to the entire team. A December in the hub of Freetown will be an unforgettable experience.

"Kushe" and welcome to the shores of a great and promising land.

Abdul Karim Bah Organising Committee Chair

Welcome Letter Dear IFMSA Africa, una Kushe, una Kabor!!

I am enthusiastic and proud to welcome you to the 16th African Regional Meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Our theme for this year is “Emergency Response: The Right Act in Time Saves Lives.” As future medical doctors I am sure we are familiar with the fact that early response can save many lives and boost up preventive measures which would have a great impact in the health sector anywhere in the world. However, in order to achieve this, we will require proper strategic planning, multidisciplinary approach and our full dedication. Finance also plays a great role in Emergency Responses. In this light, we thought it fit to equip ourselves as future health leaders in our respective countries with the right approach to emergency response which will help us grow and make our health sector more efficient and higher standard.

We once again want to welcome you and thank you for being part of this important occasion, as your presence, skills and ideas will be of great importance to us.

In addition, we invite the African Region to come and explore the Athens of West Africa and see what it’s like to have paradise in the tropics of West Africa. We encourage you to pay attention to every detail, every message and every one you come across. Make friends, make contacts and build connections.

I wish you well and I hope to see you soon.

Mohamed Kanneh Vice President, SLEMSA

Welcome Letter

Known for our unearthed treasures and world-renowned beaches, we, the people are the real gems of Sierra Leone. Our vibrant and compassionate personalities make the beautiful backdrops that much more enjoyable. The star of West Africa, we'll leave you with a twinkle in your eye once you've experienced all we have to offer. Registering for our ARM 2020 will be the pinnacle of your year.

Lawrence Mukeh Babawo and Shahedah Fornah, OC Secretary and Registration.

IFMSA Africa, meet Sierra Leone.

This December is going to be memorable to say the least. We are looking forward to sharing our little corner of paradise with you and seeing our world through your eyes. So, meet people. Learn things. And most importantly, HAVE FUN. Can't wait to meet you.

Adesola Goodness Jegedeh, Vice Chairperson of Finance.

It’s a pleasure, serenity and ecstasy to have the entire IFMSA family in Sierra Leone. We welcome you all to the land of peace with great religious tolerance, nature and a perfect democratic governance. We have everything to meet your expectations and we want you to settle for nothing less. Prepare to have the best experience of Africa’s mastery, with lots of historic and attractive locales to be unveiled. Invigorate to have a blissful tour in the land of freedom.

Welcome to Sierra Leone, the lion mountain.

Joseph Garrick and Abdullah Osman Koroma, Theme Event.

We intend on making this experience a beautiful one for you, we intend on making you feel at home away from home, we intend on showing you Sierra Leone, a beautiful place that once was Athens of West Africa Nellie Aboiseh Taylor and Khadijah Josephine Jalloh, Fundraising.

We are ready to give you the best African Regional Meeting yet, full of various exciting experiences and lifelong memories, all from the Athens of West Africa. So… welcome to my city Freetown Sierra Leone, the land that the free found. Let us represent to the fullest!

Mohamed Samura and Joseph Nanoh, Pre-ARM.

Welcome Letter This tiny nation on the west coast of Africa is more than ready to give the African region a once in a life time Regional meeting. Come an experience more than a glimpse of love, emotion, efficiency and amusement. Welcome to Salone Alhassan Barrie and Mohamed Foday Sesay, Logistics and Technical Support.

This year's Africa regional meeting is more than just a meeting. It is an opportunity for every delegate to experience the climax of slavery and the dawn of African freedom. Brace yourselves for a first-hand experience of the footprints of slavery, the symbols of freedom, the beauty of our country and the warm culture of our people. Brace yourselves to see the world from a Sierra Leone perspective.

Ibrahim Khalil Swaray and Amadu Barrie, Transportation and Visa Processes.

“As Sierra Leoneans, we are well known for our friendliness and hospitality with a relaxed peace of life. Popular for diamond mining and are major producers of titanium, bauxite and gold, Sierra Leone hails from Sierra Lyoa meaning ‘mountain range’, music and dance are of huge importance to us and also part of our fabric of normal life” come and enjoy phrases like kusheh, do ya, tenki and experience the wonders of nature with love” Fatmata Bintu Barrie and Umu Kuntume Sall, Venue and Accommodation.

Sierra Leone has been represented in many ARMs and I’m sure they’ve experienced a bit of our taste. It’s time to give you the full dose. We can’t wait to have you here. A great welcome and stay awaits Land that you will love Evelyn Hawa Kamara and Abdul Hamid Magid Kargbo, Post ARM and Social Events.

The Flag of this great nation represents vegetation, water, and sky hence green white and blue. Exposure to the beauty of this noble land awaits you.

Come and let’s feast together.

Joseph David Koroma and Mohamed Allieu Bockarie, Publicity and Website.

About Freetown

Freetown is a port city and the capital of Sierra Leone, in West Africa.

It’s known for its beaches and historical role in the transatlantic slave trade. The old town’s centuries-old Cotton Tree is a symbol of emancipation. On the waterfront is the King’s Yard Gate, through which former slaves walked to freedom. The Sierra Leone National Museum includes exhibits relating to the 19th-century military leader BaiBureh. The city's economy revolves largely around its harbour, which occupies a part of the estuary of the Sierra Leone River in one of the world's largest natural deep-water harbours.

The population of Freetown is ethnically, culturally, and religiously diverse. The city is home to a significant population of all of Sierra Leone's ethnic groups, with no single ethnic group forming more than 29% of the city's population. As in virtually all parts of Sierra Leone, the Krio language is Freetown's primary language of communication and is by far the most widely spoken language in the city.

Freetown was founded on March 11, 1792 by Lieutenant John Clarkson, Black Britons and free people called the Nova Scotian Settlers, who were transported to Sierra Leone by the Sierra Leone Company. The city of Freetown was a haven for free-born and freed African American, Liberated African and Caribbean settlers; and their descendants are known as the Creole people. Freetown is the oldest capital to be founded by African Americans.

Freetown is home to Sierra Leone's House of Parliament, the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone and the State House, the official workplace of the President of Sierra Leone. Also located in Freetown are the national television and radio stations, the majority of international companies and many of the country's largest corporations. The city is also the seat of Fourah Bay College, the oldest university in West Africa, (founded in 1827).

At night, Freetown cries out through the speakers of local night clubs and bars. New York is not the only city that does not sleep! Sierra Leoneans love to have a good time and in Freetown you’re never far away from an entertainment spot.

Venue and Accommodation

Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel for ARM

This upscale hotel is 9 km from Freetown and 35 km from Lungi International airport. It’s located at 17 Lumley Beach Road, Aberdeen, Freetown. This 4.1 star hotel contains refined rooms provided with free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs and safes, plus tear and coffeemaking facilities.

Some have balconies with ocean or garden views and espresso machines. Upgraded rooms have added minibars and access to a private lounge suite feature living area. Room service is available 24/7 They offer facilities likes: - an outdoor swimming pool, terrace garden, fitness center, private beach and a chic restaurant that will make you never miss home.

Some entertainment activities include but not limited to: - a tennis court, golf course, ping pong, outdoor pool all coated with BBQ facilities.

Special diet meals (on request), a piano bar, a colorful cafe just for you to keep visiting. A total of 125 rooms, well air conditioned with well-kept Rest rooms This hotel is also just about two minutes’ walk from the Aberdeen beach and Lagoonda Casino which are always open for more entertainment purposes. A 45 mins bus drive from Lakka beach and Resort you can’t afford to miss this!

Pre-ARM Venue

Family Kingdom Resort Hotel for Pre-ARM

Located on the shores of the Lumley beach, Aberdeen, Freetown.

Contains 3 Conference centers and 97 rooms, which offer kitchenettes with refrigerators, plus free Wi-Fi, free-wired Internet, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Other amenities available to guests include balconies or patios, living rooms, and dining areas.

The Family Kingdom Resort offers 97 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to balconies or patios.

Accommodations offer separate living rooms and include desks.

Accommodation at this 3.5-star hotel have kitchenettes with refrigerators and separate dining areas. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Flat-screen televisions come with satellite channels.

Microwaves and irons/ironing boards can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

In addition to an outdoor pool, The Family Kingdom Resort provides a fitness center and a children's pool. Dining is available at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants. Guests can unwind with a drink at one of the hotel’s bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning. Public areas are equipped with complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. An outdoor pool and a children's pool are on site. Other recreational amenities include a fitness center.

The Theme Theme: “Emergency Response, ‘the right act in time saves lives’”

CONCEPT NOTE

In the African region, over 100 major public health emergencies are reported annually affecting millions of people. We cannot deny the fact that slow emergency response has been a major factor affecting the standard of health care systems in Africa. The first few hours following a disease outbreak accident or disaster is very vital to the lives of victims, but in Africa we treat this precious time with less importance because of the lack of immediate response to these emergency occurrences.

Africa has a long history of health emergencies resulting from recurrent disease outbreaks and natural disasters that affect humans, animals and environmental health. The unprecedented West Africa Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in 2014-2015 affected over 14,000 people in Sierra Leone with over 3,956 deaths. Our fragile health system suffered a severe shock, and the epidemic took a heavy toll on the health workforce, with 221 deaths. Limited investment in our health system and a lack of access to affordable health services exacerbated the severity of the outbreak, as the health sector largely depended on external funding sources.

Ebola is not the only threat in Africa. Communicable diseases such as cholera, Lassa fever and the most recently declared pandemic disease COVID-19 present public health threats The corona virus to deliberate on has so far (May 12, 2020) claimed 2,344 lives in 66,319 confirmed cases with only a single virus free African nation (Lesotho). It has also claimed over 287,540 lives with over 4,270,751 confirmed cases throughout the world. This shows the rate of unprepared medical emergency response in the world and in Africa to be specific. In Sierra Leone, all our COVID 19 health care facilities and isolation centers were utilized with just less than 200 confirmed cases.

The Theme The country has recorded 20 deaths in 338 confirm cases as of this date.

Comparing this statistic to other nations shows that Sierra Leone has a high death rate per confirmed cases. Underestimation is one characteristic of our continent that has made it inferior to many health battles and this one (COVID 19) has the same story. The COVID 19 has altered lots of progressive and developmental mechanisms in the whole of Africa thus retrogressing its financial stability that will affect us in a year or even more.

OBJECTIVE To address recurrent health threats, better planning, preparedness, and coordination are urgently needed.

If we are to achieve a better health system in the world, emergency response should be treated with great earnestness and must be prioritized. An immediate response system saves life and can boost socioeconomic activities in the world.

Should we always wait for disasters and disease outbreaks to happen before we act? As future medical practitioners, we must also play our own part by producing ideas and solutions that will upgrade the emergency response system.

The 16thARM 2020 OC is working assiduously to equip medical students through sessions, parallel workshops and discussion with real-time knowledge in emergency preparedness and response during public health emergencies and disaster outbreaks. We believe that real-time training is an effective tool for preparedness and response in cases of global emergencies.

This is our Africa and we are the only health defenders. Activating a well-prepared health care system, we can tackle any disease outbreak, disaster or accident within the shortest possible time.

The Theme EXPECTED OUTCOMES To streamline Africa’s health emergency preparedness and response, SLEMSA has chosen “” Emergency Response, “the right act in time save lives”” as the theme for the 16th ARM 2020 Freetown, Sierra Leone.

To meet the immediate health needs of crisis-affected populations in the continent while simultaneously addressing the underlying causes of their vulnerability, as future health professionals we must be part of a broader change in the way we prevent, prepares for and responds to public health emergencies that will stabilize our health response system in the world.

Transportation Arriving in Sierra Leone There is one major airport in Sierra Leone, namely, Lungi International Airport (Freetown International Airport)- FNA located in the coastal town of Lungi, Sierra Leone. The Sierra Leone River separates Lungi International Airport from Freetown, the nation's capital city.

Airlines International airlines that come into the country using the Lungi International Airport from other African countries include: Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa World Airlines, Air Peace etc.

Arrive by Sea. The Lungi International, Freetown’s airport, is across a sea estuary from Freetown. You can go the long way round over land, but the quickest and safest airport transfer is by boat. For US$40, the Sea Coach, the Sea Bird and Aberdeen water taxis will carry you and your bags to Freetown’s west end, covering the 17-mile distance in under half an hour. The water taxis offer free Wi-Fi and a bottle of water, as well as ‘soothing music’ (Celine Dion is a popular choice). Alternatives include a government-run ferry or a long drive—but shell out for the speedboat for the convenience, and to enjoy the city’s mountainous backdrop.

The OC is working for discounts on flight and sea transportation

Ground Transportation Delegates from a number of countries can also travel to Sierra Leone by road using public transportation or hired car services as follows: •

•

Guinea - the main border crossing a couple of hours north of the capital Conakry at Pamelap that continues to the Sierra Leonean town of Kambia (Six hours drive from Conakry to Freetown) Liberia - the main border crossing from Liberia is at Jendema, linked to the Liberian town of Bo-Waterside by the Mano River Bridge (Eight hours drive from Monrovia to Freetown)

Transportation Transportation to the Event Upon arrival, the official pickup points are the Lungi International Airport and the International bus park at the Ferry Road junction. From the airport, transportation will be either by water taxi and bus that will move for the Sea Coach, Sea Bird or Aberdeen water taxi terminals and the hotel respectively.

Visa

Please note that the information presented hereafter is for general knowledge and does not in any way replace the information available on the Sierra Leone Immigration Services website or any other information provided by an immigration officer.

While the OC will do everything in its power to provide timely information and to facilitate visa processes for international delegates, it is however important to understand that the due process of visa applications will need to be respected.

All foreigners seeking permission to enter Sierra Leone require an immigration-issued visa unless otherwise exempted. The visa should be endorsed on a valid passport or travel document issued by competent national or international authorities and recognised by the Government of Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leonean visas are obtainable from any Sierra Leonean Embassy, High Commission or Consulate abroad.

Countries that Do Not Need a Visa to Enter Sierra Leone: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo.

Countries that Can Obtain Visa on Arrival:

Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia.

Countries not on these lists should contact the Sierra Leone Embassy, Consulate or High Commission for prior authorization before traveling to Sierra Leone.

Registration

The Organising Committee guarantees that every NMO will have 16 delegate spots for the African regional Meeting as follows: • •

8 early registration spots 8 late registration spots

Early registration will not be considered for a delegate(s) who registers after the early registration period even if the maximum 8 has not been reached.

Early registration fee participation is guaranteed for: • • • •

•

•

All IFMSA officials outside the NMO quota.

All IFMSA staff members 1 representative for each IFMSA program outside the NMO quota The coordinator from each IFMSA Task Force outside the NMO quota 6 support persons appointed by the Standing Committee Directors outside the NMO quota 2 plenary team members outside the NMO quota

Late registration fee participation is guaranteed for: •

•

1 member of each Standing Committee outside the NMO quota and according to the NMO category Late registration spots for the support persons to the RD

REGISTRATION FEES: • •

Early Registration: $160 Late Registration: $180

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: •

•

Participants wishing to attend the main ARM should login and register through the registration tab on the website.

All registrations will be pending confirmation by your NMO president.

Participants of Pre-ARM are to register using the registration link for Pre-ARM to be provided later.

Registration •

•

The registration for Pre-ARM is independent of that of ARM as are the registration fees for both events.

Issuance of invoice and fee payment shall be done by NMO basis in contact with the NMO President.

IMPORTANT DATES ACTIVITY

START

END

Pre-ARM

14th December

16th December

ARM

17th December

20th December

POST ARM

21st December

23rd December

Early Registration for ARM

1st August

31st August

Late Registration for ARM

1st September

30th September

Team of Officials Registration

1st October

21st October

Regional Team Registration

21st September 21st October

Registration for Pre-ARM

1st September

23rd September

DEADLINES FOR PAYMENT Early Registration

21st September

Late Registration

21st October

Pre-ARM

21st October

TO & RT

6th November

CANCELLATION & SUBSTITUTION DEADLINES

TO & RT cancellation

22th October

28th October

Cancellation with full refund

1st October

21st October

Cancellation with 50% refund

22nd October

31st October

Substitution

1st October

31st October

Post ARM

For the post-ARM tour, we are planning of a tour of the Tacugama chimpanzee, the beautiful beaches on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Sanctuary of Freetown Sierra Leone.

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Located just on the outskirts of Freetown, in the Western Area Peninsula National Park, The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary was founded in 1995. Initially established to enforce wildlife laws and rescue and rehabilitate orphaned chimpanzees, Tacugama has grown into a diverse conservation organization caring for close to 100 chimpanzees on-site. Tacugama is also actively engaged offsite in community outreach, wildlife field research, environmental sustainability, conservation education and alternative livelihoods programs. Tacugama is also an eco-tourism hub for Freetown – home to 6 eco-lodges, and a variety of activities for both tourists and Freetowners alike to participate in.

Post ARM The Beaches of Freetown Sierra Leone’s beaches have been praised by many and can be seen as its’ main tourist attraction. Even though a couple have been affected by sand mining, they have been spared from commercialisation and masstourism and offer some of the most stunning vistas of the continent.

They are desolate, quiet, peaceful and will melt the hearts even of those who hate sand.

Read on for our top-5 beaches and envision yourself sipping a rumcoconut cocktail fresh from the palm tree, eating just-caught lobster whilst enjoying the sunset or hitting the waves with surfers from all over the world.

Social Events Day 1: Opening Ceremony and Welcome Party

Day 2: NFDP + Pool Party

Day 3: Games night + Clubbing - B one Arcade and Scarlet, Lagoonda

Day 4: Closing ceremony + Beach Party - Beach party at Lakka

Advisory Board

Dr Adetunji Wilson-Taylor

Dr Chukuemeka Haffner

Dr Mohamed Bella Jalloh

OC Members

Abdul Karim Bah OC Chair

Fatmata Bintu Barrie Venue and Accommodation

Adesola Goodness Jegedeh Vice Chairperson of Finance

Lawrence Mukeh Babawo OC Secretary

Umu Kuntume Sall Venue and Accommodation

Nellie Aboiseh Taylor Fundraising

OC Members

Khadijah Josephine Jalloh Fundraising

Joseph David Koroma Publicity and Website

Evelyn Hawa Kamara Post ARM and Social Events

Mohamed Samura Pre-ARM

Abdul Karim Bah Publicity and Website

Ibrahim Khalil Swaray Transportation and Visa Processing

Joseph Nanoh Pre-ARM

Shahedah Fornah Registration

Amadu Barrie Transportation and Visa Processing

OC Members

Alhassan Barrie and Mohamed Foday Sesay Abullah Osman Koroma Logistics and Technical Logistics and Technical Theme Event Support Support.

Contact Us Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/ARM2020SierraLeone

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/arm2020sierraleone

Twitter

https://www.twitter.com/@ARM2020_SLeone

+232 78 601288 Emails

OC Chair

occhair@arm2020sierraleone.com

Vice chair of Finance

vicechairoffinance@arm2020sierraleone.com

OC Secretary

ocsecretary@arm2020sierraleone.com

Registration

registration@arm2020sierraleone.com

SLEMSA OFFICIAL

slemsa-sierralone@ifmsa.org

Phone Contacts OC Chair

+23278601288

OC Secretary

+23299341034

Registration

+23279218423

Vice chair of Finance

+23 +23

+23276328601