Speaking during the handing over ceremony of the medical supplies, then minister of Foreign Affairs who is now the minister of Health and Sanitation Hon. Zainab Hawa Bangura thanked the Sullivan Foundation and Hollywood veteran actor and philanthropist Isaiah Washington for the gesture and expressed hope that the donation will benefit those in need.

Minister Bangura recalled that she was very instrumental in the decision to grant Isaiah Washington a Sierra Leonean citizenship after he discovers his DNA to Sierra Leone. Hon. Bangura said she is proud to say that Isaiah Washington has demonstrated that he is a true son of the soil.

The Bo district Medical Superintendent Dr. Koroma who received the medical supplies on behalf of the hospital and the people of the Southern region similarly thanked the Sullivan Foundation and Isaiah Washington and promised that the donation will be used judiciously.

In a statement issued to AfricaNews before the handing over, the former Grey Anatomy star Isaiah Washington said: I would like to take this time to congratulate everyone who have worked so hard in the medical staff of the Bo Government Hospital, the people of the Ministry of Health, the Mayor of Bo, President Koroma and the good people of Sierra Leone for their commitment and goodwill.

This first shipment of medical supplies serves as a symbol of greater things to come, not only for the Bo District, but also for all of Sierra Leone. Today marks a new era in the effort of rebuilding and support of self empowerment in a war torn nation that is well overdue for the positive reinforcement and support that is deserving of a nation that has been overlooked for far too long,” he said.

Washington said further: “. I would like to thank Hope Sullivan Masters and the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation for this gift that will help strengthen the will of a people by addressing the need of a strong healthcare system. There is nothing more important and nothing more that can exemplify the desire and hope of a nation than ensuring a quality healthcare support for the people of any country.

Please accept this gift on behalf of me and The Gondobay Manga Foundation and know that I am still working tirelessly to ensure that more support and help will continue to come to the medical facilities of Sierra Leone. God bless you all and Godspeed in your 50th Anniversary year of independence.”

Also present at the ceremony includes, Mr. Sam Maligi and Mohamed Kamara and Ibrahim Kamara representing The Sullivan Foundation and The Gondobay Manga Foundation respectively.

It could be recalled that Washington became the first African American to gain Sierra Leonean citizenship based on DNA. Inspired by his discovery, Washington set up a school in a village in Southern Sierra Leone and has dedicated his time to change the lives of his people.

The donated items include bandages, absorbents, basins, blood collection, blankets, journals, cabinets, taffetas and clutches among other things.