AGP Executive Report

Ebola Update (DR Congo): DR Congo authorities report Ebola has crossed 6,000 confirmed cases with 2,911 deaths, while 1,360+ recoveries have been recorded; 59 new positives and 20 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, with Ituri province carrying most infections, as WHO warns the outbreak is still out of control amid insecurity, displacement, and attacks on response teams. Ebola Care (DR Congo): Five Ebola survivors were discharged from treatment in Béni, a hopeful milestone as the crisis continues to spread across multiple provinces and health zones. Sierra Leone Health Leadership: Dr Mustapha Kabba has assumed office as the Ministry of Health’s new Chief Medical Officer, pledging patient-centered care, teamwork, and stronger accountability for service delivery—especially for women and children. Primary Healthcare Digital Push: Sierra Leone’s Directorate of Primary Health Care is partnering with the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation to digitize primary healthcare management and reporting, replacing fragmented paperwork with automated, real-time data systems linked to DHIS2. Infection Prevention Drive: The Ministry of Health rolled out nationwide hygiene and cleaning exercises across health facilities and offices, including disinfecting high-traffic areas at the Youyi Building in Freetown. Substance Abuse Support (Sierra Leone): Ninety-four young people graduated from a police drug rehabilitation centre in Hastings after treatment focused on overcoming Kush addiction and reintegrating into communities. Gender & Food Security: The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs partnered with Agriculture to integrate gender equality, social inclusion, and protection from gender-based violence into food system resilience work. Global Health Funding Concern: A report says secret U.S. health agreements could cut global health funding for countries including Sierra Leone by large margins by 2030, raising fears of preventable deaths and disease.

Ebola Update (DRC): Eastern Congo’s Ebola outbreak has topped 6,000 confirmed cases and 2,911 deaths, with more than 1,360 recoveries reported as WHO warns the crisis is still out of control and could surpass the 2014–2016 West Africa epidemic. Health System (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s new Chief Medical Officer, Dr Mustapha Kabba, assumed office pledging patient-centered care, teamwork, accountability, and stronger support for women and children. Digital Primary Care (Sierra Leone): The Ministry of Health is partnering with DSTI to digitize primary healthcare management and reporting, replacing manual paperwork with real-time data tools linked to DHIS2 to spot service gaps faster. Infection Control (Sierra Leone): The Health Ministry rolled out a nationwide hygiene drive, including cleaning exercises at the Youyi Building and other facilities, using locally produced disinfectants to strengthen infection prevention. Mpox Watch: Mpox is showing up again, with Guinea-Bissau reporting its first known outbreak—10 lab-confirmed cases—highlighting how the virus is spreading beyond earlier patterns. Drug Rehabilitation (Sierra Leone): 94 young people graduated from the Police Training School Drug Rehabilitation Centre after treatment for synthetic drug addiction, with calls for community support to help reintegration. Gender & Food Security: The Gender and Children’s Affairs Ministry teamed up with Agriculture to integrate gender equality, inclusion, and protection from gender-based violence into food system resilience work. Global Health Funding: A report says secretive U.S. health agreements could cut global health aid for countries including Sierra Leone, potentially reducing funding by billions by 2030.

Ebola Response in Congo: The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo has spread to two new health zones, Biena and Manguredjipa, bringing affected zones to 60. Health authorities report 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths, with a 48% fatality rate and higher deaths in the new areas due to delayed response. Congo has started vaccinating frontline workers with the Ervebo vaccine, while trials continue for a vaccine targeting the current Bundibugyo strain. Health Facility Hygiene: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health launched a nationwide hygiene drive, cleaning the Youyi Building in Freetown and replicating the exercise across districts to strengthen infection prevention and control. Police Hospital Cleaning: Kingtom Police Hospital also carried out a monthly cleaning exercise ahead of a free surgical campaign by Surgeons in Action Foundation. Substance Abuse Rehab: Ninety-four young people graduated from the Sierra Leone Police Training School Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Hastings after treatment for drug addiction, including synthetic drug Kush, with calls for community reintegration. Drug Seizure: Police recovered a pistol, ammunition, and kush during a raid at a Goderich residence, with investigations ongoing. Child Protection Advocacy: First Lady Dr Fatima Bio plans to table a UN resolution seeking an International Day to End Child Marriage, building on Sierra Leone’s Hands Off Our Girls campaign. FGM Legal Push: Josephine Kamara renewed calls for an explicit legal ban on FGM, urging it be treated as a human rights violation.

Hygiene & Infection Control: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health launched a nationwide hygiene drive, cleaning the Youyi Building in Freetown and replicating the exercise across districts using locally produced disinfectant to cut infection risks for staff and visitors. Substance Abuse Recovery: 94 young people graduated from the Sierra Leone Police Training School Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Hastings after a programme targeting Kush addiction, with officials urging communities to support reintegration. Drug & Security Crackdown: Police recovered a pistol, seven live rounds and synthetic drug “kush” during a raid at a Goderich residence, with investigations continuing into the suspect’s travel history. Hospital Cleanliness Ahead of Surgery Campaign: Kingtom Police Hospital carried out a monthly cleaning exercise as it prepares to host the Surgeons in Action Foundation for free surgical services. Ebola Watch (Regional): In eastern DR Congo, Ebola spread to two new health zones (Biena and Manguredjipa), bringing affected zones to 60; Congo has started vaccinating frontline workers with Ervebo. Disaster Response (Regional): Sierra Leone confirmed 17 of its nationals dead in Guinea’s Dar-es-Salam landfill landslide, with 54 survivors identified and humanitarian support underway.

Substance Abuse Recovery: Ninety-four young people graduated from the Sierra Leone Police Training School Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Hastings after a programme targeting addiction—especially to synthetic “Kush”—and urging communities to support reintegration. Health Facility Hygiene: Kingtom Police Hospital carried out a general cleaning exercise ahead of a planned free surgical campaign by the Surgeons in Action Foundation, aligning with Ministry of Health monthly facility sanitation guidance. Cross-Border Disaster Response: Sierra Leone confirmed 17 of its nationals died in Guinea’s Dar-es-Salam landfill landslide in Conakry, with 54 survivors also identified; humanitarian support is ongoing while consular needs are assessed. Ebola Watch (DR Congo): Congo’s Ebola outbreak surged to 60 affected health zones after spreading to Biena and Manguredjipa, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths; health workers have begun receiving Ervebo vaccine as containment faces insecurity and displacement. Maternal & Child Health Financing: Sierra Leone’s Health Minister Dr Austin Demby reported gains under the “300 Days” campaign, including reduced maternal deaths and child mortality, and a push to improve immunisation access and health financing reforms. Child Marriage Advocacy: First Lady Dr Fatima Maada Bio plans to table a UN resolution for an International Day to End Child Marriage, building on her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign. Local Planning for Health: Maforki Chiefdom validated a 10-year development plan prioritising healthcare, clean water, youth and women’s development, and skills training under Sierra Leone’s chiefdom planning pilot.

Hospital Hygiene & Surgical Readiness: Kingtom Police Hospital in Freetown carried out its monthly cleaning drive, ahead of the Surgeons in Action Foundation’s planned free surgical campaign, with staff cleaning all departments to welcome the visiting medical team. Guinea Disaster Response: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports 17 Sierra Leoneans confirmed dead after the Dar-es-Salam landfill landslide in Conakry, with 54 survivors also identified and humanitarian support already provided while further needs are assessed. Ebola Update (DRC): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to two new health zones—Biena and Manguredjipa—bringing affected zones to 60, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths; health workers have started receiving Ervebo vaccine as containment faces insecurity and displacement. Health Financing Reform: Sierra Leone’s Health Minister Dr Austin Demby met UNECA officials to push health financing reforms, citing gains under the 300 Days campaign including reduced maternal and child mortality and improved outreach to zero-dose children. Child Health & Protection Advocacy: First Lady Dr Fatima Bio plans to table a UN resolution to create an International Day to End Child Marriage, building on her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign. Local Medical Community Loss: Dr Aruna Maada Jabbie, a paediatric resident at Choithram Memorial Hospital, died suddenly on Aug 27, prompting tributes from colleagues and the public.

Ebola Update (DRC): Eastern Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged into two new health zones—Biena and Manguredjipa—bringing affected zones to 60, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths; officials warn the fatality rate is higher in the new areas amid insecurity, displacement, a health worker strike, and major population movement, while Congo begins vaccinating frontline workers with Ervebo. Maternal & Child Health (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s Health Minister Dr Austin Demby met UNECA to push health financing reforms, citing early gains from the “300 Days” campaign: 32% fewer maternal deaths, 11% lower child mortality, and a 92% rise in outreach to zero-dose children. Child Protection (Sierra Leone): First Lady Dr Fatima Maada Bio plans to table a UN resolution for an International Day to End Child Marriage, building on Sierra Leone’s “Hands Off Our Girls” advocacy. Health Policy & Planning (Sierra Leone): MoPED and UNICEF discussed youth employment, local production of nutrition products like RUTF, and stronger early childhood development and planning. Community Health (Sierra Leone): Maforki Chiefdom validated a 10-year development plan prioritising agriculture, education, healthcare, clean water, and youth and women’s development. Public Health Advocacy (Sierra Leone): Josephine Kamara renewed calls for an explicit legal ban on FGM, arguing it should be treated as a human rights violation, not culture. Health Workforce (Sierra Leone): Dr Aruna Maada Jabbie, a paediatric resident at Choithram Memorial Hospital, died suddenly at 27, prompting tributes from colleagues and the wider community. Health & Safety (Regional): A Guinea landfill collapse raised deaths to 34, including 17 confirmed Sierra Leonean nationals, with survivors receiving immediate humanitarian support.

Ebola Update (DRC): Eastern Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged into two more health zones—Biena and Manguredjipa—bringing the total affected areas to 60, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths reported; officials warn the spread is outpacing response amid insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike, and heavy population movement, while Congo has started vaccinating frontline workers with Ervebo. Sierra Leone Health Policy: Sierra Leone’s Health Minister Dr Austin Demby met UNECA to push health financing reforms, citing progress under the 300 Days campaign including a 32% drop in maternal deaths, an 11% fall in child mortality, and expanded outreach to zero-dose children. Child Marriage Advocacy: First Lady Dr Fatima Bio plans to table a UN resolution for an International Day to End Child Marriage, building on Sierra Leone’s “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign and her own experience of forced marriage. Youth & Jobs: MoPED and UNICEF discussed new collaboration areas including youth employment, early childhood development, and local production of nutrition supplies like RUTF to create jobs and reduce import reliance. Health Community Loss: Dr Aruna Maada Jabbie, a paediatric resident at Choithram Memorial Hospital and brother to SLBA President Tuma Gento-Kamara, died suddenly on Aug 27, prompting tributes from colleagues and the wider community.

Ebola Response in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo has started vaccinating front-line workers against its fastest-growing Ebola outbreak, using the Ervebo vaccine first while trials continue to find a licensed option for the current strain; health officials say the outbreak has spread to two new health zones in North Kivu (Biena and Manguredjipa), bringing affected zones to 60, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths, as insecurity, displacement, and health worker strikes keep response efforts under pressure. Sierra Leone Health Financing Push: Sierra Leone’s Health Minister Dr Austin Demby met UNECA to advance health financing reforms, citing progress under the “300 Days of Activism” campaign, including a 32% reduction in maternal deaths, an 11% drop in child mortality, and a 92% rise in outreach to zero-dose children. Health System & Digital Protection: Sierra Leone also unveiled draft Critical Information Infrastructure protection plans for four sectors—Energy, Health, Education, and Defence/Security—aimed at reducing cyberattack and service disruption risks to hospital and public systems. Local Health Support: A Western Area Rural District health worker, Mohamed F. Kamara, is appealing for about US$15,000 for specialised orthopaedic surgery in India after pelvic fractures sustained while on duty. Community Planning for Health: Maforki Chiefdom validated a 10-year development plan prioritising agriculture and livelihoods, education, healthcare, clean water, and youth and women’s development, with implementation expected to guide other chiefdoms.

Ebola Update: Uganda says its Ebola outbreak is officially over after 42 days with no new cases, urging countries to keep surveillance and rapid response strong. DRC Ebola Response: WHO is calling for a six-month humanitarian truce in the DRC so health teams can reach isolated communities and stop transmission. Sierra Leone Health System: Sierra Leone’s Health Minister Dr Austin Demby led the country’s delegation at the WHO Africa health summit, highlighting priorities like a stronger workforce, emergency preparedness, sustainable UHC financing, and better health data. Triple Zero Progress: The 300 Days of Activism campaign reports gains at Day 178: maternal deaths down 32.9%, child mortality down 12.4%, and 92.6% of identified zero-dose children vaccinated. Digital Protection for Health: MoCTI unveiled draft critical infrastructure protection plans for four sectors—Energy, Health, Education, and Defence/Security—to reduce risks from cyberattacks and service disruptions. Roads and Emergency Care Access: SEND Sierra Leone and NMJD urge urgent action on the Makeni–Kamakwie road corridor, warning stalled works and bridge/ferry failures are blocking access to emergency healthcare. Cancer Research: New global studies map lifetime colorectal and breast cancer risks, showing big differences tied to income, diet shifts, and screening access. Public Health Watch: Freetown’s Waterloo dumpsite is encroaching on the Bomeh Main Highway, raising concerns about hygiene and food traded near waste. Water Safety: Sierra Leone’s Water Ministry stepped up checks on private water companies, inspecting 41 facilities for hygiene, treatment, and compliance.

WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC76): Sierra Leone’s Health Minister Dr Austin Demby led the country’s delegation at the RC76 meeting in Addis Ababa, pushing priorities like a stronger health workforce, sustainable financing for universal health coverage, emergency preparedness, and better health data systems. Digital Health & Cybersecurity: Sierra Leone’s MoCTI unveiled draft Sector-Specific Critical Information Infrastructure protection plans for Energy, Health, Education, and Defence/Security, aiming to reduce risks from cyberattacks and service disruptions. Maternal & Child Health: Under the 300 Days of Activism campaign (Day 178), Sierra Leone reported a 32.9% drop in maternal mortality, a 12.4% cut in child mortality, and 92.6% of identified zero-dose children vaccinated. Roads & Emergency Care Access: SEND Sierra Leone and NMJD urged urgent action on the Makeni–Kamakwie road corridor, citing stalled works, bridge collapse, ferry disruptions, and worsening access to emergency healthcare. Malaria at Work: A CAMA survey found 62% of West African workers get no workplace malaria support, calling for stronger employer action beyond awareness. Public Health Watch: Freetown’s Waterloo dumpsite is encroaching on the Bomeh Main Highway, raising food safety and traffic risks as produce is traded near waste. Cancer Risk Research: New global studies map lifetime colorectal and breast cancer risks, highlighting big gaps tied to income, diet, and screening access. Fundraising for Surgery: A Western Area healthcare worker appealed for about US$15,000 for specialised orthopaedic surgery in India after pelvic fractures from a work-related accident.

300 Days Campaign Update: Sierra Leone’s Health Minister Dr Austin Demby says Triple Zero progress is on track at Day 178—maternal mortality down 32.9%, child mortality down 12.4%, and 92.6% of identified zero-dose children (8,347 of 9,006) vaccinated. Water Safety Checks: The Water Resources and Sanitation Ministry inspected 41 private water facilities across Freetown and the peninsula, finding mixed compliance on hygiene, filtration, UV treatment, chlorine residuals, storage, and records—prompting corrective actions. Waste & Public Health: Freetown City Council and Sierra Leone Police stepped up door-to-door waste sensitisation under DortiMustGo, pushing households to use approved collection services and follow sanitation rules. Food Safety Concern: Reports say garbage piles near the Bomeh Main Highway are encroaching on traffic and food trading areas, raising worries about hygiene and health risks. Malaria at Work: A CAMA survey across 10 West African countries found 62% of respondents get no malaria prevention support from employers, urging workplaces to integrate malaria protection into health planning. Ebola Response Pressure (DRC): WHO called for a six-month humanitarian truce to reach isolated communities and cut Ebola transmission, warning access—not tools—is the main barrier. Global Cancer Research: New studies map lifetime colorectal and breast cancer risks worldwide, highlighting how screening access and socioeconomic gaps shape who is most vulnerable. Mpox Alert: Mpox is reported back in new places, including a first outbreak in Guinea-Bissau, with human-to-human spread a growing concern.

Ebola Response in DRC: The WHO is calling for a six-month humanitarian truce in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to let health teams reach isolated communities and cut transmission, warning that tools exist but access is the main barrier. Mpox Update: Mpox is being reported again in new places, including Guinea-Bissau, with health officials urging awareness of symptoms and transmission as cases spread beyond earlier hotspots. Sierra Leone Health Progress: Sierra Leone’s “300 Days of Activism” campaign says it has reduced maternal deaths by 32.9% and child deaths by 12.4%, and reports 92.6% of identified zero-dose children have been vaccinated. Water Safety in Freetown: The Water Ministry has stepped up checks on private water companies, inspecting 41 facilities and flagging uneven compliance on hygiene, treatment systems, and sanitation. Malaria at Work: A West Africa survey finds 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, urging employers to move from awareness to real protection. Public Health & Waste: Freetown’s garbage piles near Bomeh Main Highway are raising alarms for hygiene and traffic safety, while the FCC and police push door-to-door waste sensitisation. Flood Relief: The EU approved €175,000 for flood-hit communities in Freetown, including water, sanitation, emergency health services, shelter, and cash support.

Water Safety in Freetown: Sierra Leone’s Water Ministry has intensified checks on private drinking-water producers, inspecting 41 facilities across Freetown and the peninsula to assess hygiene, filtration, UV treatment, chlorine levels, storage, waste handling and compliance records. Workplace Malaria Gap: A new survey by the Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa finds 62% of workers across 10 West African countries get no malaria prevention support from employers, urging companies to move from awareness to real workplace protection. Mental Health for Clergy: Caritas Freetown says priests and religious also face depression, anxiety and grief, and calls for faith communities to reduce stigma and encourage counselling and medical care alongside prayer. Disability and School Violence: Research in Sierra Leone’s Karene district reports disabled children in mainstream schools face high levels of physical, sexual and psychological violence, including bullying and corporal punishment. Flood Response Support: The EU has allocated €175,000 for flood-hit communities in Freetown, including water, sanitation and hygiene, emergency health services and shelter support. Ebola Watch (DRC): The DRC reports Ebola cases have surpassed 5,500 with a fatality rate near 48%, as response efforts struggle to reach patients early.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of the Congo reports Ebola has surpassed 5,500 confirmed cases and about 2,642 deaths, with the fatality rate nearing 48%, as new positives continue to be recorded across Ituri, North Kivu and Haut-Uele. Frontline Health Workers: A separate report from Bunia highlights frontline Ebola staff fears and stress, with workers saying they have not been paid consistently—raising concerns for safety and response capacity. Disability & School Violence (Sierra Leone): New research from Karene finds children with disabilities in mainstream schools face high levels of physical, sexual and psychological violence, including bullying, corporal punishment and harassment on school journeys and even in toilets. Drug Abuse Advocacy (Sierra Leone): Miss World Sierra Leone 2026 Mariyam Lorba Konneh takes Sierra Leone’s drug crisis to the global stage, linking addiction to poverty and pushing her “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind and Healthy Community” support programme. Human Rights & Climate (HRCSL): The Human Rights Commission warns climate change is increasingly threatening rights to water, food, shelter, healthcare and livelihoods, urging stronger integration of climate action into national policy. School Nutrition (Freetown): Freetown City Council moves toward a low-sodium school meal pilot, aiming to cut sodium intake by 15% in six municipal schools with guidance for vendors and food safety checks. Healthcare Access (Bo): Bo Regional Hospital announces a temporary mortuary closure for maintenance and upgrades, with limited corpse storage rules during the period. Rehabilitation Milestone (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone marks the graduation of 94 young people from drug rehabilitation as “Ambassadors of Positive Change,” bringing cumulative beneficiaries to 1,071.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of the Congo reports Ebola has surged past 5,500 confirmed cases with 2,642 deaths and a 47.9% fatality rate, as new infections keep rising across Ituri, North Kivu and Haut-Uele—while the UN warns the outbreak is spreading faster than the response can keep up. Frontline Health Workers: A report from Bunia highlights frontline fear and stress among Ebola treatment centre staff, including claims of unpaid wages, as healthcare facilities face attacks and growing community resistance. Drug Abuse Advocacy (Sierra Leone): Miss World Sierra Leone 2026, Mariyam Lorba Konneh, is using the Miss World Head-to-Head Challenge to spotlight drug abuse and poverty, saying her “Beauty with a Purpose” programme has rehabilitated nearly 300 women. Digital Safety for Women: Sierra Leone’s Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) convened stakeholders to push stronger protections against online abuse, privacy risks and discrimination facing women in digital spaces. Health System Support (Police Hospital): Sierra Leone Police Hospital received medical equipment and support through a partnership aimed at improving surgical care and training for staff. Community Health & Care: Bo Regional Hospital announced a temporary mortuary closure for upgrades, while 94 young people graduated from a drug rehabilitation programme as “Ambassadors of Positive Change.”