ECOWAS Summit Health Readiness: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health has moved medical teams, supplies, two fully equipped ambulances and a “Hospital on Wheels” mobile clinic to Lungi ahead of the 18–19 July ECOWAS Heads of State summit, with extra doctors and nursing support at the conference centre. Hospital Upgrade Support: China has donated ICT equipment to help Sierra Leone’s 600-bed hospital project as construction passes 90% completion, boosting readiness for future operations. Drug Safety Alert: In Kono, police took custody of a man allegedly found with 104 wraps of suspected Kush during anti-drug activities, as authorities warn about the drug’s deadly risks. Public Health Capacity Building: NPHA has completed a three-day leadership workshop to strengthen Sierra Leone’s public health institute systems, including surveillance, labs, emergency response and risk communication. Maternal Health & Rights in Court: Sierra Leone’s High Court opened trial proceedings over alleged forced FGM, with prosecutors saying the complainant was initiated without consent and detained. Regional Health Threat: DRC Ebola cases have topped 2,000 with hundreds of deaths, while health workers warn of possible strike over unpaid salaries. Health Policy & Access: Parliament is moving to introduce a health insurance scheme for MPs, while the Ministry of Tourism launches a community beach sports initiative aimed at cleaner, healthier beaches. Reproductive Rights Pressure Abroad: AP reports the US is expanding restrictions on funding for abortion-related work overseas, raising concerns for maternal health in sub-Saharan Africa.