AGP Executive Report

Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s Ebola legacy stays in focus as health authorities strengthen readiness amid renewed Congo cases, with calls for “identify, isolate and inform” and reminders that outbreaks can grow fast when surveillance and contact tracing lag. Border Health & Surveillance: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture received motorbikes and diagnostic equipment to boost disease detection and monitoring at Freetown Port, Lungi Airport, Gbalamuya and Jendema border posts. Maternal Health & Fistula Care: The Ministry of Social Welfare received a UNFPA vehicle to expand community-based support for obstetric fistula survivors, linking surgical care with social workers for reintegration. Digital Health at Airports: The Health Ministry and NPHA launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to streamline health declarations and entry/exit screening. Water Safety: Guma Valley Water Company warns that deforestation and encroachment are threatening Freetown’s water security, with contamination risks rising as catchments degrade. Maternal & Child Deaths: Minister Dr. Austin Demby urged health professionals to become “Triple-Zero Champions” to close gaps driving preventable deaths at community and facility levels. Mpox Diagnostics: A portable CRISPR-based assay is highlighted as a major step forward for faster Mpox detection in resource-limited settings. Community Care for Women: The “Freetown Caring City Project” is discussed with the Freetown City Council to support unpaid caregivers, improve access to services, and reduce violence against women and girls.

Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s health security focus stays sharp as the DRC Ebola situation drives regional alerts, with UKHSA urging hospitals and clinics to stock PPE and prepare for suspected cases. Border Screening Updates: Kenya says it remains Ebola-free after testing 67 people and screening 88,000 travellers at entry points, while Sierra Leone’s agriculture ministry also received diagnostic tools and motorbikes to strengthen border surveillance. Maternal Health & Fistula Care: The Ministry of Social Welfare received a UNFPA vehicle to expand outreach for obstetric fistula rehabilitation, linking clinical care with social support for survivors. Health System Strengthening: President Bio celebrates Mercy Ships’ extended partnership to sustain surgical care and training, and the Health Travel Portal was launched at Freetown International Airport to streamline health checks for travellers. Infectious Disease Lab Capacity: Biomedical scientists from Sierra Leone and others are training in modern diagnostics and surveillance for emerging diseases. Women’s Health Debate (FGM/Bondo): Ongoing public debate continues after renewed criticism of the First Lady’s FGM-related remarks and renewed arguments around Bondo Society practices. Safe Water Warning: Guma Valley Water Company warns deforestation and encroachment are threatening Freetown’s water supply and raising contamination risks.

Safe Water Watch: A new Environmental Performance Index review flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—driven by weak infrastructure, sanitation gaps, and climate pressure. Obstetric Fistula Support: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Social Welfare received a UNFPA vehicle to expand outreach for the “Integrated Approach Towards Elimination of Obstetric Fistula” project, linking surgical care with social worker support for women in remote areas. Mpox Testing Breakthrough: Researchers report a portable CRISPR-based assay for Mpox detection, designed for rapid, point-of-care diagnosis in resource-limited settings like those seen during Sierra Leone’s 2025 outbreak. Ebola Preparedness Signals: Sierra Leone continues strengthening readiness as Ebola concerns grow across the region, with renewed focus on safety planning, surveillance, and lab capacity. Border Health & Surveillance: The Agriculture ministry received motorbikes and diagnostic equipment to boost disease surveillance at key entry points, including Freetown Port and Lungi Airport. Caregiving in Freetown: The “Freetown Caring City Project” is moving forward with plans to support unpaid caregivers—especially women and girls—through better access to health, education, welfare services, and safer community spaces. Water Security Warning: Guma Valley Water Company warns deforestation and encroachment are threatening Freetown’s water catchments, with contamination risks rising. Health Tech at the Airport: The Health Ministry and NPHA launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to streamline health screening and traveller documentation.

Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone is stepping up readiness as the DRC Ebola situation evolves, with government messaging urging “identify, isolate and inform” and highlighting lessons from the 2014–2015 outbreak. Border Health & Surveillance: The Ministry of Agriculture received motorbikes and diagnostic equipment to strengthen disease detection and trade monitoring at key entry points including Freetown Port, Lungi Airport, Gbalamuya, and Jendema. Travel Health Screening: The Ministry of Health and NPHA launched a Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to collect travellers’ health information and streamline entry and departure checks. Caregiving Support: The Gender Ministry and FCC partners discussed the “Freetown Caring City Project,” aiming to support unpaid caregivers—especially women and girls—while reducing SGBV and improving access to healthcare and services. Local Health Innovation: Sierra Leonean surgeon Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi received international recognition for surgical care and healthcare innovation in resource-constrained settings. Mpox Diagnostics Breakthrough: A new portable CRISPR-based mpox test developed and field-evaluated during the Sierra Leone outbreak could improve rapid, point-of-care viral detection worldwide. Water Safety Warning: Guma Valley Water Company warns deforestation and encroachment are threatening Freetown’s water supply, with contamination risks raising public health concerns. Violence & Health Impact: A 6-year-old boy in Freetown was reportedly amputated after severe injuries from his grandfather, sparking community outrage and renewed calls for child protection.

Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry and NPHA have launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to collect travellers’ health information, streamline screening, and share entry requirements and updates. Ebola Response Funding: Cafod is ramping up work against the DRC Ebola outbreak, focusing on community surveillance, handwashing stations, PPE for health workers, and countering misinformation as vaccines are still months away. Ebola Risk Planning: UK health authorities issued an NHS-wide alert telling hospitals and clinics to stock PPE and prepare to isolate suspected cases, while the global Ebola situation in the DRC remains under close watch. Maternal Health Upgrade: Moyamba Government Hospital commissioned a rehabilitated maternity ward to strengthen care for mothers and newborns. Digital Skills for Health & Youth: DSTI and UNICEF held graduations for Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy programmes in Freetown, building skills that can support future health and service delivery. Local Health Leadership: Sierra Leone’s Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi received global recognition for surgical care and healthcare innovation in resource-constrained settings. Water Safety Warning: Guma Valley Water Company warns deforestation and encroachment are threatening Freetown’s water supply and raising public health risks. Capacity Building: China’s medical team delivered an interactive public academic lecture to nursing students at Njala University, focusing on early detection and standardized interventions for common ENT conditions. Community Health Education: World Vision’s “Story of Hope” immersive exhibit opens June 7 at Oxford Shopping Centre, using a Sierra Leone child’s story to highlight health, nutrition, hygiene, and clean water.

Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s health system is in the spotlight as UKHSA issues an NHS-wide alert for suspected Ebola cases, urging hospitals and GP clinics to check PPE stocks and be ready to isolate patients amid the fast-growing DRC outbreak. Vaccine Hope: Scientists say new Ebola vaccines could blunt the impact of future outbreaks, as global partners push vaccine development and early testing. Outbreak Warning: Ebola experts fear the current DRC outbreak could be heading toward a “nightmare scenario,” with concerns that transmission may be larger than confirmed cases suggest. Local Health Infrastructure: Sierra Leone’s Judiciary begins building its first-ever Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges and court staff with treatment rooms, reliable water and electricity, and dedicated nursing staff. Maternal & Newborn Care: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister calls for stronger healthcare systems to cut preventable newborn deaths, highlighting gaps in antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services. Water Safety in Freetown: Guma Valley Water Company warns deforestation and encroachment are threatening Freetown’s water supply and raising contamination risks. Capacity Building: Chinese medical teams continue training Sierra Leone nursing students at Njala University, focusing on early detection and standardized interventions for common ENT diseases.

Police & Justice Upgrades: Sierra Leone Police will commission three major projects this month, including upgrading Masingbi Police Station into a divisional headquarters and unveiling the first modern forensic laboratory at TOCU in Rogbangba Junction to strengthen investigations and public safety. Surgical Care Spotlight: Freetown-based surgeon Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi earns global recognition for healthcare innovation and education in resource-limited settings, highlighting Sierra Leone’s growing capacity in surgical services. Ebola Preparedness Watch: As the Bundibugyo strain continues to hit parts of Central Africa, Kenya activates enhanced border screening and surveillance, while the wider region ramps up isolation readiness and rapid testing—an urgent reminder for Sierra Leone to keep alert. Maternal Health Boost: A rehabilitated maternity ward has been commissioned at Moyamba Government Hospital, a direct win for safer childbirth and newborn care. Newborn Survival Push: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister calls for stronger healthcare systems to cut preventable newborn deaths, urging better antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services alongside action on child marriage and teenage pregnancy. Training for Frontline Nurses: A Chinese medical team delivered an interactive public academic lecture at Njala University (Bo Campus), focusing on early detection and standardized nursing interventions for common ENT conditions. Health Facility for Courts: Sierra Leone’s Judiciary begins construction of its first Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support the wellbeing of judges and court staff with treatment rooms, reliable utilities, and nursing staff. Ebola Aid & Global Support: India sends medical supplies to Uganda to support Ebola response, reinforcing international support as outbreaks evolve.

Ebola Preparedness in East Africa: Uganda confirmed six new Ebola cases, bringing infections to 15, with contact tracing and treatment ongoing as the outbreak spreads in the region. Kenya Border Screening: Kenya activated enhanced surveillance and screened over 34,500 travelers across airports, seaports and land borders, with isolation centres on standby and rapid testing capacity readied. DRC Outbreak Update: Congo’s Ebola situation is worsening, with confirmed cases rising to 321 and deaths reported at 48, as teams push harder on isolation and contact tracing. UK Health Alert: UK hospitals, GP surgeries and clinics were urged to prepare for suspected Ebola cases, even as public risk is described as low. Sierra Leone Maternal Health Boost: Moyamba Government Hospital commissioned a rehabilitated maternity ward, strengthening care for mothers and newborns. Newborn Survival Push: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister urged stronger healthcare systems to cut preventable newborn deaths, calling for better antenatal, delivery and postnatal services. Training for Local Nurses: Chinese medical teams delivered public academic lectures at Njala University, focusing on early detection and standardized nursing interventions for common ENT diseases. Health Facility Expansion: Sierra Leone’s Judiciary began construction of its first-ever Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support the wellbeing of court staff. Drug Control in the Region: Liberia’s drug enforcement agency reported 233 arrests and seized 422.08kg of narcotics in Q1 2026, including marijuana and tramadol.

Maternal health boost: A newly rehabilitated maternity ward at Moyamba Government Hospital was commissioned, a major step to improve maternal and newborn care in the district. Newborn survival push: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister urged stronger healthcare systems to cut preventable newborn deaths, calling out gaps in antenatal, delivery and postnatal services and the impact of child marriage and harmful practices. Capacity building for nurses: China’s 27th medical team delivered its first public academic lecture at Njala University (Bo Campus), training nursing students on early detection and standardized interventions for common ENT diseases through case simulations. Health services expansion: Government is nearing completion of two 100-bed hospitals in Pujehun District (Zimmi and Kpakedu) to extend care to underserved communities. Clinic for court staff: Sierra Leone’s Judiciary began construction of its first Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support the mental and physical wellbeing of judges and court workers. Disease surveillance support: The Ministry of Health and NPHA received 16 Honda motorbikes from WHO (Pandemic Fund support) to strengthen disease surveillance and faster outbreak response. Ebola watch regionally: Liberia reported no Ebola cases but stressed continued vigilance as flare-ups remain a threat.

Newborn health push: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister Dr. Isata Mahoi urged urgent, coordinated action to cut preventable newborn deaths, calling for stronger antenatal, delivery and postnatal care and better protection against child marriage, teenage pregnancy and harmful practices. Maternal care upgrades: Orange Foundation and UBA Foundation refurbished the maternity ward at York Community Health Centre to boost maternal services and help reduce newborn deaths. Health system strengthening: The Ministry of Health and NPHA received 16 Honda motorbikes from WHO support via the Pandemic Fund to improve disease surveillance and faster outbreak response, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Facility expansion in Pujehun: Government is nearing completion of two 100-bed hospitals in Zimmi and Kpakedu to expand access and reduce pressure on the district’s main facility. Judiciary wellbeing: Sod turned for Sierra Leone’s first Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges and court staff with treatment rooms, drug storage, reliable water and electricity, and nursing services. Disease surveillance and preparedness: WHO-backed efforts and local coordination are highlighted as Ebola risks continue across East and Central Africa, with Uganda confirming new cases and DRC reporting rising confirmed infections.

Hospital Expansion in Pujehun: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health says construction of two 100-bed hospitals in Zimmi and Kpakedu (Pujehun District) is nearing completion, aiming to cut travel burdens and improve access to care, alongside Free Healthcare Initiative medicine supply and new services like a district dental unit. Ebola Watch Across the Region: Uganda confirmed six new Ebola cases (total 15) and is tracking 668 contacts, while DRC’s outbreak continues to rise with 321 confirmed cases and 48 deaths reported; Nigeria also warned it is only 59% ready, citing border risks. Surveillance Boost: The Ministry of Health and NPHA received 16 WHO-supported motorbikes to help health workers move faster for disease surveillance and outbreak response, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Newborn Health Push: The Gender Ministry urged urgent action to reduce preventable newborn deaths, calling for stronger antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care and better protection from harmful practices. Maternal Care Upgrade: Orange Foundation and UBA Foundation refurbished the maternity ward at York Community Health Centre to strengthen maternal services and help reduce newborn deaths. Community Health + Education Project: Orange Foundation and MoCTI launched the Orange Village at Felei-Tech City in Bo, starting construction of a school and hospital for education, healthcare, and digital growth. Human Stories: A powerful report highlights discrimination faced by a mother and her autistic child in Sierra Leone, pushing back on stigma. Travel Safety Question: Another story asks whether it’s safe to travel to Africa during the Ebola outbreak, reflecting growing public concern.

Ebola Watch (Region): Uganda confirmed six new Ebola cases, bringing its total to 15; health officials say all new patients were contacts of earlier cases, with 668 people still under follow-up. Ebola Watch (DRC): In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the outbreak is reported to be expanding across provinces, with health authorities warning that control of infection chains is getting harder. Ebola Preparedness (Nigeria): Nigeria’s disease control agency says the country is only 59% ready for Ebola, citing gaps at points of entry and the risk from informal border routes. Sierra Leone Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and NPHA received 16 motorbikes from WHO (Pandemic Fund support) to boost disease surveillance and faster outbreak response, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Maternal Health: Orange Sierra Leone refurbishes maternity services and partners hand over a refurbished maternity ward in York Community to strengthen care and reduce newborn deaths. Accountability & Health Systems: The Salone Development Scorecard was launched to track government delivery on priority targets, including healthcare, in a citizen-focused way. Newborn Deaths: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister calls for urgent action to cut preventable newborn deaths through stronger antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care.

Disease Surveillance Boost: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and NPHA received 16 WHO-supported Honda motorbikes (via the Pandemic Fund) to help frontline teams reach remote areas faster, transport samples, and respond quickly to outbreaks. Lassa Fever Supplies: The MoH also received 18,000 ampoules of Lassa fever drugs from China to close treatment gaps in hotspot districts like Kenema, Bo, and Kailahun. Maternal Health Upgrades: Orange Sierra Leone Foundation and partners refurbished maternity services in York Community and York Village, adding improved wards, post-natal care, oxygen and solar power to strengthen newborn and labour ward care. Newborn Death Focus: The Gender Minister urged urgent action to cut preventable newborn deaths, calling for stronger antenatal, delivery and postnatal services plus action on child marriage and harmful practices. Ebola Preparedness Coordination: Health authorities held a partners’ meeting to review readiness for Ebola threats linked to the DRC and Uganda, strengthening surveillance, rapid response, and community protection plans. Community Health Access: Save the Children handed over rehabilitated maternal health facilities in Pujehun with clean water, sanitation and solar power, while Plan International distributed dignity kits to adolescent girls in Moyamba for Menstrual Hygiene Day. Public Health in the Region: WHO reports Ebola concerns in the DRC and a suspected mpox outbreak in Sudan’s Darfur camps, highlighting how conflict and overcrowding can rapidly worsen disease risks.

Ebola Preparedness in Sierra Leone: The Ministry of Health and Sanitation, with the National Public Health Agency, held a partners’ coordination meeting to strengthen Ebola readiness, focusing on surveillance, rapid response, and community protection as the DRC and Uganda situation evolves. Lassa Fever Supplies: Sierra Leone received 18,000 ampoules of Lassa fever drugs (Ribavirin) from China to help close treatment gaps in hotspot districts like Kenema, Bo, and Kailahun. Maternal Health Upgrades: Orange Sierra Leone Foundation and partners refurbished maternity services in York Community and York Village, adding labour ward/post-natal care equipment and solar power to improve newborn and maternal outcomes. Newborn Death Reduction: The Gender Minister urged urgent, coordinated action to cut preventable newborn deaths, calling for stronger antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care plus action on child marriage and harmful practices. Menstrual Health Support: Plan International distributed dignity kits to 300 adolescent girls in Moyamba for Menstrual Hygiene Day to reduce stigma and support school attendance. Regional Health Alerts: WHO declared the DRC Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, while experts warn mpox could worsen in Sudan’s Darfur displacement camps without quick action. Community Safety: A Lakeville motorcycle crash left a man seriously injured and taken to St. Luke’s Hospital.

Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation held a second partners’ coordination meeting to strengthen readiness for possible Ebola risks, using WHO readiness checklists and focusing on surveillance, rapid response, and community protection as updates come from DRC and Uganda. Lassa Fever Supply: The MoH received 18,000 ampoules of Lassa fever drugs donated by China, targeting treatment gaps in hotspot districts like Kenema, Bo, and Kailahun. Maternal Health Upgrades: Save the Children handed over two fully rehabilitated maternal health facilities in Pujehun (Salina Samba and Messibu), adding clean water, sanitation, and solar power to improve safe childbirth and infection prevention. Adolescent Health & Dignity: Plan International distributed dignity kits to 300 adolescent girls in Moyamba for Menstrual Hygiene Day, aiming to reduce stigma and support school attendance. Community Clinics & Equipment: A Chinese medical team donated antiviral medications (18,000 vials of Ribavirin Injection) to boost capacity against Lassa fever and other infectious diseases. Health Access Through Partnerships: Orange Foundation and MoCTI launched the Orange Village project in Bo District, including plans for a school and hospital to expand education, healthcare, and technology access.

Ebola Preparedness Boost: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation held a partners’ coordination meeting to strengthen readiness for Ebola threats, using WHO readiness checklists and focusing on surveillance, rapid response, and community protection. Lassa Fever Supply: The MoH received 18,000 ampoules of Lassa fever drugs donated by China, targeting treatment gaps in Kenema, Bo, and Kailahun. Maternal Health Upgrades: Save the Children handed over two fully rehabilitated maternal health facilities in Pujehun (Salina Samba and Messibu), adding clean water, sanitation, and solar power to improve safe childbirth and infection prevention. Adolescent Menstrual Health: Plan International supported 300 adolescent girls in Moyamba with dignity kits for Menstrual Hygiene Day, aiming to reduce stigma and improve school attendance. Community Clinic Equipment: Chinese medical teams donated 18,000 vials of Ribavirin injection to help Sierra Leone tackle Lassa fever and other viral hemorrhagic fevers. Health Infrastructure for Training: Government began construction of a US$3.5m COMAHS faculty building in Kossoh Town, with labs to support future health workers.