IFMSA African Regional Meeting 2022 - Invitation Package by Sierra Leone Medical Students' Association

INVITATION PACKAGE

02 01 03 WELCOME LETTERS

04 HOW TO GET TO FREETON

ABOUT SIERRA LEONE

05 TRANSPORT ATION

ABOUT FREETOWN

08 07 09 06 THEME

VENUE AND ACCOMODATION

VISA

11 SOCIAL EVENTS

POST-ARM

REGISTRATIO N

OC MEMBERS

MOTIVATION LETTER

Dear IFMSA Africa, Greetings and a warm welcome to the City of 'Lion Mountains' on the West Coast of Africa. On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I'm pleased to invite you to the 18th IFMSA-Africa Regional Meeting (ARM2022). For the first time Sierra Leone will open its doors to its beloved region. What three years ago used to be a dream; is now a reality. The journey to host the African Region didn't start today. From winning our first bid in Lilongwe Malawi, to the cancellation of the 16th ARM in 2020 due to the Covid'19 Pandemic and the chills it sent across the world, we as an association have shown a great zeal of resilience which has been a key factor driving our organization and an integral part of what Sierra Leone is. Our theme for this year's Regional Meeting "Emergency Response: The Right Act in Time Saves Lives", 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 struggled, and are still 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. 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.

at e r g a f o s e r o the sh o t e m o c l e w d nd. "Kushe" an a l g n i s i m o r p and

Alhassan Arsha Barrie

MOTIVATION LETTER

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. Esther Kornyaa Karimu Adesola Goodness Jegedeh Vice Chairperson of Finance. Vice Chairperson

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 2022 will be the pinnacle of your year. Shahedah Fornah Lawrence Mukeh Babawo O.C Secretary

Registration

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 Michael Garrick & Abubakarr Jalloh Theme Event

MOTIVATION LETTER

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. Khadijah Josephine Jalloh & Oslima Andrea Kargbo Fundraising

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 & Osman Saidu Sesay Publicity and Website

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, doya, tenki and experience the wonders of nature with love” Umu Kuntume Sall & Fatmata Bintu Soumah Venue accomodation

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! Emmanuel Egwuonwu & Rashid Kamara Pre - ARM

MOTIVATION LETTER

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 Mariama Madina Bah & Fatmata Batuly Bah Social Events and Post- ARM

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 Mohamed Foday Sesay & Alimamy Alhassan Bangura Logistics and Tech' Support.

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. Amadu Barrie, Idrissa Conteh & Brima Ketty Conteh Via Processing and Transportation

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MOTIVATION LETTER

The Republic of Sierra Leone is a tropical paradise in west Africa. A country well known for its green backdrop of mountains, coupled with the white sand and clear blue waters, it is a hidden treasure on the west coast of Africa. Sierra Leone is a country of diverse beliefs, ideas, nature and history. once the center of slave trade in Africa, it has over the years served as a symbolic down of African freedom and emancipation.

MOTIVATION LETTER

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 Bai-Bureh. 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.

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MOTIVATION LETTER

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.

MOTIVATION LETTER

It is very easy to come to Freetown by air, 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.

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, Asky Airlines Brussels Airlines Royal air maroc Air peace Air France Air senegal etc

MOTIVATION LETTER

Arriving by Sea, the Lungi International, 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 organizing committee in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and Civil Aviation is working on a discount) 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. 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)

MOTIVATION LETTER

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.

MOTIVATION LETTER

“Emergency Response, ‘the right act in time saves lives’” CONCEPT NOTE Just Within the continent of Africa, way over 100 major public health emergencies are reported in one-tenth of a decade affecting millions of people in the region. It is not time to further turn a blind eye to the previously existing and the present continuous slow emergency response system affecting standards of healthcare in the region. The first few minutes to hours following an accident, a disaster or an outbreak is the golden period which is very precious to the lives of victims but our region tends to treat this precious time with less importance and hence the lack of immediate response to these emergency occurrences. Africa has a profoundly long history of health emergencies resulting from recurrent disease outbreaks, wars 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 that is merely escaping a Post eleven 11years of civil war that ended in 2002 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 specific. In Sierra Leone, all our health care facilities and isolation centers were utilized with just less than 6,400 confirmed cases, 4,397 recoveries, 121 deaths (as of 11th November 2021). Globally, as of 9:14pm(in Sierra Leone) 20 May 2022, there have been 521,920,560 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6,274,323 deaths, reported to WHO. As of 17 May 2022, a total of 12,186,798,032 vaccine doses have been administered. This is a clear indication of the lack of preparedness in establishing an effective medical emergency response in the world as a global village and Africa to be specific. Unfortunately in Sierra Leone all our healthcare facilities and isolation centers were utilized with just less 200 cases leaving the health system unable to perform the usual normal functions. Sierra Leone as a country has recorded 7,682 COVID-19 cases (As of 20th May 2022) with 125 deaths. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered lots of progress and development in the whole of Africa thus retrogressing the region's financial stability and that will affect us in four to five years or even more.

MOTIVATION LETTER

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 must be treated with great earnestness and must be prioritized. An immediate response system saves lives and boosts socio economic activities in the world. Must we always wait for disasters,Wars and disease outbreaks to happen before we act? No! As future medical practitioners, we must also play our own part by thinking of ideas and solutions that will upgrade the emergency response system. The 18th ARM 2022 OC is therefore working assiduously to equip medical students through sessions, parallel workshops and discussions 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 beloved Africa and we are the only health defenders. By activating a wellprepared health care system, we can tackle any disease emergency outbreak, disaster or accident effectively within the shortest possible time.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES To streamline Africa’s health emergency preparedness and response, SLEMSA has carefully chosen “” Emergency Response, “the right act in time saves lives”” as the theme for the 18th ARM 2022 Freetown, Sierra Leone. To meet the immediate health needs of crisis-affected populations in the continent of Africa 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, prepare for and respond to public health emergencies that will stabilize our health response system in the world.

MOTIVATION LETTER

Bintumani Hotel for ARM This upscale hotel is 9 km from Freetown and 35 km from Lungi International airport. The Bintumani hotel is Sierra Leone’s premiere hotel, located at the coastal town of Aberdeen, Freetown. This 4.1-star hotel contains refined rooms provided with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and safes, plus tea and coffee making 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 centre, private beach and a chic restaurant that will make you never miss home. Some entertainment activities include but are 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 colourful cafe just for you to keep visiting. A total of 125 rooms, well air-conditioned with well-kept Restrooms. This hotel is also just about 5 minutes’ walk from Aberdeen beach and Lagoonda Casino which are always open for more entertainment purposes.

MOTIVATION LETTER

Family Kingdom Resort Hotel for Pre-ARM Located on the shores of the Lumley beach, Aberdeen, Freetown. Contains 3 Conference centres 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 complimentarily 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 centre 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 centre

MOTIVATION LETTER

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. Click on the link below for the rest of the world's visa requirements. https://docs.google.com/file/d/1WeVnpzChV3zhRr2IhwvdIJTmg1uDMZ27/edit? usp=docslist_api&filetype=msword .

MOTIVATION LETTER

Registration fees PRE-ARM

$150

Early Registration

$160

Late Registration

$180

Important Dates ACTIVITY

START

END

PRE-ARM

13TH DECEMBER

16TH DECEMBER

ARM

16TH DECEMBER

20TH DECEMBER

EARLY REGISTRATION FOR ARM

16THJULY

5TH AUGUST

6TH AUGUST

31ST AUGUST

TEAM OF OFFICIALS REGISTRATION

10TH OCTOBER

20TH OCTOBER

REGIONAL TEAM REGISTRATION

10TH OCTOBER

20TH OCTOBER

REGISTRATION FOR PRE-ARM

1ST SEPTEMBER

30TH SEPTEMBER

LATE REGISTRATION FOR ARM

MOTIVATION LETTER

DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT

DATES

EARLY REGISTRATION

25TH AUGUST

LATE REGISTRATION

5TH OCTOBER

PRE-ARM

15TH OCTOBER

POST-ARM

15TH NOVEMBER

CANCELLATION AND SUBMISSION DEADLINES TO & RT CANCELLATION

21ST OCTOBER

25TH OCTOBER

CANCELLATION WITH FULL REFUND

15TH OCTOBER

25TH OCTOBER

CANCELLATION WITH 50% REFUND

26TH OCTOBER

31ST OCTOBER

1ST NOVEMBER

15TH NOVEMBER

SUBSTITUTION PRE-ARM

NB:

31ST OCTOBER

EACH DELEGATE IS REQUIRED TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $10 FOR THE TRAVEL ASSISTANCE FUND

MOTIVATION LETTER

For the Post-ARM tours, we are planning a tour of the Tacugama chimpanzee Sanctuary, the beautiful beaches on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean of Freetown and some of Sierra Leone historic Islands

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 commercialization and mass-tourism 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 rum- coconut 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.

MOTIVATION LETTER

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 onsite. 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

MOTIVATION LETTER

The Banana Islands You cannot visit Freetown without a trip to The banana islands .. An archipelago of 3 Islands that lie off the south western coast of the Freetown peninsula. This historic island is full of interesting and very friendly inhabitants.. No better place for scuba diving, snorkeling, 🤿 scenic boat rides 🚣‍♂️ , whale watching, sport fishing and other water-sport activities. Offers a mixture of history and modern day luxuries

MOTIVATION LETTER

Bunce Island The place where history sleeps A few miles north of Freetown, rising from the waters of the Sierra Leone River, a small, uninhabited stretch of land silently carries a built testament to one of the darkest periods in humankind’s history. Besieged by overreaching tree roots and invasions of wild grass, empty, stone-brick shells of old buildings double as remnants of one of the most lucrative slave trading operations in West Africa Founded in 1670, it was the largest slave castle on the rice coast of West Africa. A memorial to the dark history of man’s inhumanity. You cannot hear the story of Bunce island without being moved by its history. A must see for anyone interested in the history of the slave trade.

MOTIVATION LETTER

DAY 1

Opening Ceremony & Welcome Party

DAY 2

NFDP & Pool Party

DAY 3

Games night + Clubbing The Ware House

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DAY 4

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Closing ceremony + Beach Party - Beach party at sugar land Beach

MOTIVATION LETTER

Advisory Board Members

Dr Abdul Karim Bah

Dr. Martin Yonnie

Foday Abdul Koroma

Mohamed Jambai Kanneh

Alhassan Arsha Barrie O.C Chairperson

Adesola O.G Jegede ViceChairperson of finance

Esther K.Karimu Vice Chairperson

Lawrence M. Babawo O.C Secretary

Bintu Souma Shahedah Fornah Umu Sall Registration Venue and Accomodation Venue and Accomodation

MOTIVATION LETTER

Emanuel Egwuonwu Pre ARM

Rashid Kamara Pre ARM

Khadijah Jalloh Fundraising

Oslima Kargbo Fundraising

Mohamed F Sesay Logistics

Alimamy Bangura Logistics

Amadu Barrie Visa Processing

Madina Bah Social Events

Batuly Bah Post ARM

Joseph Garrick Theme Event

Abubakar Jalloh Theme Event

Joseph D. Koroma Publicity and Website

Ketty Conteh Transportation

Osman S. Ssesay Publicity and Website

Idrissa Conteh Transportation

MOTIVATION LETTER

http://facebook.com/ARM2021SierraLeone http://instagram.com/arm2022sierraleone http://twitter.com/ARM2021_SLeone

O.C Chair V. C of Finance O.C Secretary Registration

+23278820823 +23276328601 +23299341034 +23279218423

occhair@arm2022sierraleone.com vicechairoffinance@arm2022sierraleone.com ocsecretary@arm2022sierraleone.com registartion@arm2022sierraleone.com

slemsa-sierraleone@ifmsa.org slemsa.secgen@gmail.com 26