Sierra Leone Country Director Announced

Seed Global Health is proud to introduce Mustapha Sonnie as the inaugural Country Director for Sierra Leone. Mustapha has over 18 years of experience in public health including more than 13 years of demonstrated results managing, advising, and implementing programs to control or eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

Mustapha will oversee Seed’s growing program in midwifery in Sierra Leone. In 2019, the Office of the Vice President invited Seed to partner with the Government to strengthen midwifery practice and trainee skills in an effort to address the country’s high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality.

“There is so much opportunity to strengthen the health system in Sierra Leone,” reflected Seed Founder and CEO, Dr. Vanessa Kerry. “We have made great progress over the last year in Sierra Leone and have been proud to partner with the Vice President and Ministry of Health and Sanitation. As we continue to grow our work into a national program, we are excited to welcome Mustapha to our team as our first Country Director in Sierra Leone.”

Starting this summer, Mustapha will manage Seed’s partnership with the Government, oversee the completion of a national needs assessment in midwifery, and welcome the first visiting faculty to the Makeni School of Midwifery—Seed’s initial clinical and teaching site. He will also strengthen partnerships with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, local NGOs, and stakeholders in support of continued program expansion in the country including new program sites in Bo and Kanema.

“I am excited to join the team at Seed Global Health,” said Mustapha. “To oversee this program and partner with the Government to address the high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality is an amazing opportunity.”

Most recently, Mustapha worked at Helen Keller International where he managed a number of NTDs programs funded by USAID. As Head of Programs, he led the country program teams and partners in developing relevant and innovative projects in line with the organization’s strategy.

“I have seen what we can accomplish when we bring evidence-based solutions with a spirit of collaboration and partnership,” added Mustapha. “If we want to make an impact that lasts, we must collaborate in the long-term and share our vision of what can be achieved.”

“I am so thrilled to welcome Mustapha to our team and growing program portfolio in Sierra Leone,” explained Amy Stern, Managing Director of Program Operations. “As we complete a national assessment of midwifery practice, there is a clear opportunity to scale a program that can make a meaningful impact on the quality of practice of midwives. To work with Mustapha who has demonstrated success leading large-scale health programs will only accelerate this important work.”