Publications

Sierra Leone is among the first countries globally to undertake the Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR), a voluntary, Member State-led initiative designed to strengthen health security through transparent peer review and multisectoral collaboration. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the UHPR was established to help countries assess and enhance their preparedness for health emergencies by engaging the highest levels of government. Sierra Leone became the first country in the ECOWAS region, the second in Africa, and the fifth worldwide to participate in the review. The UHPR follows a five-year cycle comprising preparation, national review, global peer review, and follow-up implementation phases. Having completed the national review phase, Sierra Leone is now awaiting the Global Peer Review while actively implementing recommendations outlined in its UHPR National Report to strengthen health emergency preparedness, response, and resilience.