Sierra Leone News

Freetown, Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone moved a step further in strengthening the national health security system with the validation of the second National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) 2025–2029. The multi-year strategic plan, developed through multi-sectoral engagement and with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to enhance the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies.

Freetown, Sierra Leone – April 2025 – As part of World Health Day 2025 commemorations, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), convened a high-level National Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) Steering Committee meeting under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” The national sub-theme “Tackling the Public Health Emergency of Preventable Maternal and Child Mortality” reflects Sierra Leone’s renewed efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths.

Freetown - Sierra Leone has taken a critical step toward advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the convening of a high-level policy dialogue on the draft Sierra Leone Agency for Universal Health Coverage (SLAUHC) Bill. Organized on 6 May 2025 by the Ministry of Health with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the one-day engagement brought together over 60 senior leaders in Freetown, including ministers, directors, and technical heads from across the health sector.

Freetown - Sierra Leone has taken a major stride toward transforming the nation’s hospital services with the final validation of its first-ever National Hospital Strategy for Services Delivery Transformation. The comprehensive framework—validated today in Freetown—signals a decisive shift toward building a resilient, equitable, and patient-centered hospital system that meets the growing health needs of its people.

Freetown, 17 May 2025 – Sierra Leone concluded its 2025 National Health Summit and Performance Awards, a three-day event convened under the theme “Improving Health Outcomes for All: Every Sierra Leonean Life Matters.” Hosted by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health development partners, the summit brought together leaders from across government, civil society, the health sector, and development agencies to discuss transformative strategies for health

Freetown, Sierra Leone – As part of its continued support to Sierra Leone’s health sector, the World Health Organization (WHO) has donated essential medical supplies, mpox test kits, and laboratory equipment, including five medical-grade refrigerators valued at over USD 126,000 to the Ministry of Health.

The handover ceremony took place at the Hastings Treatment Centre, with WHO Country Representative Dr George Ameh officially handing over the supplies to Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Mustapha Kabba.

Kenema, Sierra Leone – For Mariama Sankoh, a 36-year-old mother of two, visiting the Kenema Government Hospital for a routine health check turned out to be a life-changing experience.

"I went for the screening because I heard about it through community sensitization," Mariama explains. "The nurses were kind and explained the process. When they told me I had early signs of a problem, they treated me the same day. I am thankful I came."

Freetown, Sierra Leone – Christiana Kamara, 43, is one of four women who recently underwent life-saving surgery for early-stage invasive cervical cancer in Sierra Leone. A mother of four, her story reflects the personal and health system challenges many women in the country face, but also, the increasing availability of effective care close to home.

“It started with some sharp pain, especially during sex,” Christiana says. “Then I noticed weight loss and a reduction in my body size. That’s when I became really concerned.”

Freetown, Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone has taken another step forward in strengthening national capacity for cervical cancer care through the successful completion of a second round of complex surgical procedures for women diagnosed with early-stage invasive cervical cancer.

Freetown, Sierra Leone – Today, senior media executives gathered for a crucial meeting convened by the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen Sierra Leone’s response to the ongoing mpox outbreak. With over 4,000 cases reported, the meeting underscored the essential role of the media as active partners in halting the spread of this preventable disease.