The Association helps to strengthen services for newborns, infants and older children, so that every child in Sierra Leone has the chance to grow up healthy and supported.
About PASL
The Paediatric Association of Sierra Leone (PASL)
We work to improve the health, growth and development of children across the country by supporting healthcare professionals, empowering communities and strengthening paediatric systems of care. The Paediatric Association of Sierra Leone (PASL) is a national professional body of healthcare practitioners dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of children across Sierra Leone. Through advocacy, research, education, and community engagement, PASL works to strengthen paediatric care, promote child health awareness, and support the professional development of those involved in child healthcare services.
Highlights
What We Do
Advocacy
We advocate for child-friendly policies, improved health systems, and increased investment in paediatric services.
Child Health Education & Promotion
We support awareness campaigns and caregiver education to promote healthy practices, disease prevention, and early childhood development.
Training & Capacity Building
We strengthen the paediatric workforce through workshops, seminars, professional development, and collaboration with national and international partners.
Policy Development & National Support
PASL contributes expert paediatric guidance to national health policies, clinical protocols, and strategic plans. Providing expert input to national guidelines, protocols, and health reforms.
Research & Quality Improvement
We contribute to evidence-based practice through audits, data analysis, and research that helps shape national healthcare policy.
Professional Networking & Membership Support
PASL provides a platform for paediatricians, doctors, nurses, and child-health professionals to connect, share expertise, and grow professionally. Connecting paediatric professionals and supporting their ongoing growth.
Core Team
Dr. med. Nellie Valerie Tayo Bell is a German-trained Consultant Paediatrician with a deep passion for advancing child health. She has worked in Sierra Leone since June 2011, initially under Cap Anamur before joining the Government of Sierra Leone. She completed her undergraduate medical training at the University of Heidelberg and her postgraduate paediatric training at Klinikum Mannheim in Germany.
Dr Ronita D.C Luke is, a consultant paediatrician with over 15 years experience. She is currently the Vice president of PASL and also a lecturer in the Department of Paediatrics at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) USL. As a researcher her interests are in neonatology, antimicrobial stewardship, and child & adolescent mental health. She is keen on improving the health and well being of every child in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Dr Abubakarr B Bah is an astute consultant Paediatrician and the Medical Superintendent of the Ola During Children’s Hospital (ODCH) In Freetown. His expertise in Paediatric cardiology healthcare services is exceptional. He is also the head of the Emergency Unit at ODCH. He did is postgraduate residency training in the University College Hospital, Ibadan, in Nigeria and he is a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (FWACP), faculty of Paediatrics.
Dr. Haja Safiyatu Sovula is a specialist paediatrician at Ola During Children’s Hospital, Freetown. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of South Wales, is a Member of the West African College of Physicians, and has obtained several postgraduate diplomas in child health and development.
Dr. Lannes N. S. Kamara is a dedicated paediatric oncologist with the Ministry of Health, and Lecturer at the Department of Paediatrics(COMAHS) USL, bringing over 16 years of extensive experience in the care and management of children. She is currently the Financial Secretary of PASL
Dr. Mariama Mustapha is a distinguished Consultant Paediatrician and Public Health Leader renowned for her expertise in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH), Nutrition, HIV/AIDS and Health Systems Strengthening. With over 15 years of transformative experience, Dr. Mustapha has played pivotal roles in shaping public health policies..
Dr. Abu Bakarr Kanu is a Specialist Paediatrician committed to excellence in child health, clinical service, and medical education. He is a Member of the West African College of Physicians and currently serves as the Deputy Chief Resident at Ola During Children’s Hospital, where he plays a pivotal role in clinical leadership, resident supervision, and quality patient care.
Why PASL Matters?
Sierra Leone continues to face high newborn and under-five mortality rates. PASL plays a vital role in strengthening child healthcare delivery by supporting clinicians, improving national guidelines, and promoting clinical excellence across the country.
Contact Info
Our Partners
The Paediatric Association of Sierra Leone (PASL) works closely with national and international organisations that share our commitment to improving child health. Through these partnerships, we strengthen paediatric services, support training and capacity building, and contribute to national health policies and programmes.
Our partners play a vital role in advancing child health outcomes across Sierra Leone by providing technical expertise, resources, research support, and collaborative opportunities.
PASL is proud to collaborate with organisations dedicated to promoting the wellbeing, safety, and development of children. Together, we work to deliver impactful programmes, build a stronger paediatric workforce, and support evidence-based healthcare for every child.
RCPCH
FCDO
UNICEF
WHO
