Sierra Leone News

Private health sector engagement strengthens mpox response in Sierra Leone

As part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and close response gaps in the ongoing Mpox outbreak, the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), convened a strategic engagement with private healthcare practitioners in Freetown. The meeting, held at Brookfields Hotel, focused on enhancing the integration of private sector actors into national Mpox response strategies, including surveillance, laboratory systems, vaccination, infection prevention and control (IPC), and case management.

WHO donates medical supplies and equipment to boost mpox response

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.

Sierra Leone strengthens capacity on genomic surveillance and bioformatics

Freetown, Sierra Leone - In a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing mpox outbreak response and genomic surveillance capacity, the Central Public Health Reference Laboratory (CPHRL) in Freetown hosted the mpox Genomics and Bioinformatics training workshop from 23rd – 27th June 2025The event was organized under the theme: “Strengthening Genomic Surveillance Capacity for mpox Response in Sierra Leone,” with technical and financial support from the World Health Org

WHO collaborates with media managers in the fight against mpox in Sierra Leone

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.

It’s not the end of the road: Christiana’s story of courage and care In Sierra Leon...

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.”

Sierra Leone sustains digital health gains through nationwide health facility device...

Freetown - In a major step to sustain gains in digital disease surveillance, Sierra Leone has completed another successful round of nationwide troubleshooting of health facility devices used in electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (eIDSR). Conducted in May and June 2025, the technical exercise covered all 16 districts and aimed to enhance the performance and sustainability of the country’s electronic reporting system.

Sierra Leone deploys AVoHC-SURGE team to halt mpox outbreak

Freetown, Sierra Leone - In a coordinated effort to curb the spread of mpox, the Government of Sierra Leone, working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa CDC, WAHO and partners has deployed 36 AVoHC-SURGE responders to the country’s hotspot districts. The responders, drawn from across multiple sectors, represent a powerful show of solidarity in a moment that demands speed, precision, and collaboration.