Sierra Leone News

Falaba District, Sierra Leone — The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided crucial technical and financial support to investigate a concerning increase in watery diarrhea cases in Falaba District. The support comes in response to a social media alert received on 20 March 2024, signaling a rise in diarrhea episodes in the district.

Sierra Leone has confirmed its first case of poliovirus variant type 3 in Kambia District, and a variant of poliovirus type 2 has been detected in sewage near Mabella Sawmill Bridge in the Western Area Urban District. This outbreak has prompted immediate response from local health authorities, in collaboration with WHO and other partners, to contain the virus and prevent further spread.

Following a successful pilot phase of the insecticide-treated nets (ITN) mass distribution campaign in Bo District in 2023, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Sierra Leone, with support from WHO and other partners, initiated a nationwide rollout of ITNs in the remaining 15 districts. This campaign aimed to combat malaria and improve health outcomes across the country.

A delegation from the Mozambique Ministry of Health, led by National Director of Public Health Dr. Quinhas Francisco Fernandes, visited Sierra Leone from March 25th to 29th for a South-to-South learning and experience sharing facilitated by the WHO Country Office. The visit focused on learning from Sierra Leone's experiences in emergency management, preparedness, and response.

In March 2024, Sierra Leone's National Points of Entry, and border health, with technical support from WHO, conducted a seven-day supervision initiative in nineteen points of entry across eight border districts including the airport. The objective was to identify immediate gaps and offer recommendations for swift resolution. While routine capabilities have been developed for main points of entry and 38 border crossings over the years, attention is now directed towards the remaining 298 crossing points requiring effective operations. Critical capacities established, include the availability of port health staff for traveler screening and establishing linkages between points of entry and nearby health facilities for swift referrals, essential for ensuring a quick and safe response.

On World Malaria Day, Sierra Leone officially launches the introduction and rollout of 550 000 RTS’S WHO vaccine procured by UNICEF with funding from GAVI, becoming the third country in 2024 to introduce this campaign after Cameroon and Burkina Faso.

Maima Amy Pabai, a Nursing Officer in Sierra Leone, tirelessly promotes self-administered family planning despite cultural barriers. Trained by WHO, she's facilitated a rise in Sayana Press usage. With community engagement and education, she's breaking taboos and empowering women's health choices.

Margaret Titi Sesay a beneficiary of WHO capacity building program on the use of integrated obstetric care guidelines shared her experiences and lessons learnt.