Transforming Sierra Leone: Landmark Ivy League Partnership with Columbia University

Minister Chernor Bah has secured a landmark Ivy League partnership set to transform Sierra Leone into a global health innovation hub, significantly elevating the nation's global health status and knowledge. 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Sierra Leone and Columbia University, a top-tier U.S. institution, on August 12, 2025. Columbia University formally announced the collaboration on August 27, 2025.

This visionary partnership, signed by Minister Bah and Dr. Thoai Ngo of Columbia's Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, establishes a strategic framework for world-class research, training, and policy engagement. 

It aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking, improve health outcomes, and expand civic education across the country.

The agreement focuses heavily on empowering Sierra Leone’s youth by creating opportunities for students, researchers, and government officials to access Ivy League-level training and mentorship. 

Joint research initiatives will address critical challenges like health equity, governance, and sustainable development. 

Beyond health, the partnership also enhances Sierra Leone’s efforts in civic education, equipping policymakers and citizens for greater participation in democratic processes. 

This collaboration underscores Sierra Leone’s growing role as a regional hub for global health innovation.