Freetown, Sierra Leone – Dr.  Hoody Lymon and Mr. Ansu Karim, finalists for the United States Government sponsored Fulbright Foreign Student Program, departed this week to take up their graduate studies in the United States.

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students, young professionals and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States.  The Fulbright Foreign Student Program operates in more than 160 countries worldwide.  Dr. Lymon and Mr. Karim join approximately 4,000 foreign students who receive Fulbright scholarships each year.

From its inception, the Fulbright Program has fostered bilateral relationships in which citizens and governments of other countries work with the United States to set joint priorities and shape the program to meet shared needs.  The fundamental principle of international partnership remains at the core of the Fulbright mission.

“The Fulbright program brings together remarkable, talented individuals from countries around the world for educational opportunities and a life-changing experience,” stated Deputy Chief of Mission Elaine M. French.  “Dr. Lymon and Mr. Karim will gain a wealth of knowledge and experience in their fields, and build relationships that will benefit their work, and the people of Sierra Leone.”

Dr. Hoody Lymon is the District Medical Superintendent at Pujehun Government Hospital.  Apart from his specialized clinical and surgical practice, he also supports core public health functions including maternal death surveillance, and integrated disease surveillance and response.  Dr. Lymon will be engaged in intensive language study over the summer and intends to pursue a graduate degree in global public health before returning to Sierra Leone.

Mr. Ansu Karim is a human development professional who has worked to implement programs in education, health, water and sanitation hygiene (WASH), food aid, Ebola emergency response, refugee and child protection.  After completing intensive language studies, Mr. Karim intends to pursue a master’s degree in Emergency and Disaster Management so that he may contribute to strengthening Sierra Leone’s national capacity level coordination for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and emergency response.

The U.S. Embassy is proud to support Dr. Lymon and Mr. Karim’s studies as part of our commitment to strengthening the capacity of the public health and emergency response sectors in Sierra Leone.

Credit: Public Affairs Office, United States Mission in Sierra Leone