As he flies the Green, White & Blue Flag high… King Charles III Honors Kai Bona for Humanitarian Efforts in Gaza and Ukraine

By Edwina Sia Janga

In recognition of his exceptional humanitarian contributions in Gaza and Ukraine, His Majesty King Charles III has awarded Mr. Andrew Kai Bona with the prestigious Humanitarian Medal. This honor acknowledges his outstanding support in conflict zones, bringing immense pride to Sierra Leone and its diaspora. The award was presented in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace, highlighting Mr. Bona’s crucial role with the British Medical Emergency Response Team (UK-MED) in providing medical aid in war-torn regions. Speaking in a telephone interview, Mr. Bona shared that he hails from Jaiama Nimikoro Chiefdom, Kono District, Sierra Leone. With over sixteen years of experience in emergency response, he has worked extensively across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. His expertise in establishing humanitarian operations, developing internal control systems, and managing logistics has made him an invaluable asset in crisis situations. Mr. Bona’s journey began in Sierra Leone, where he built the foundation of his career before pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Global Health Procurement and Supply Chain Management at the Empower School of Health in Switzerland. This qualification propelled him into the global humanitarian sector, where he has since dedicated his life to supporting vulnerable communities. Currently stationed in Gaza for over 13 months, Mr. Bona has been working tirelessly to provide life-saving assistance. His work with UK-MED—the only UK-based humanitarian medical aid organization verified by the World Health Organization as an Emergency Medical Team—has made a significant impact in some of the world’s most volatile regions. Despite his global humanitarian efforts, Mr. Bona remains deeply connected to his homeland. He speaks with pride about Sierra Leone’s progress under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio and draws inspiration from the resilience of his people. Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Bona stated: “Coming from a country that has endured war and faced significant economic and health challenges, I am continually inspired by the struggles of my countrymen. Their resilience encourages me to empathize with their challenges and celebrate their triumphs, motivating me to do my best for humanity wherever I go.” Colleagues at UK-MED have described Mr. Bona as a courageous and dedicated humanitarian, committed to helping those in need, even in high-risk situations. His recognition by King Charles III stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to humanitarian work and his remarkable contributions to global emergency response. Following the ceremony, Mr. Bona paid a courtesy visit to Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, at the Sierra Leone High Commission in London. His achievements continue to reflect the spirit of service and perseverance that define Sierra Leoneans around the world.