AGP Executive Report

Cancer Awareness: Doctor Ernestina Pratt says partners may notice unusual breast or chest changes in men and women, but any lump, skin or nipple change needs medical assessment. Men can also develop breast cancer, and some patients reach care with advanced symptoms. Child Nutrition: Sierra Leone and the World Food Programme have begun building a fortified-food plant in Bombali, part of an €11.5 million EU programme for children aged six to 23 months. The facility is intended to use local ingredients and be run by a women-led enterprise. Outbreak Readiness: Sierra Leone and Germany are backing a child-friendly isolation unit at Ola During Children’s Hospital, with staff training in infection control, triage and intensive care. The National Public Health Agency has also urged vigilance after Kenya confirmed an imported Ebola case, with screening continuing at Freetown airport and land borders. Maternal and Child Health: The Health Ministry says it is reviewing deaths weekly and tracking follow-up actions in real time. It reports maternal deaths fell from 256 in 2025 to 176 in 2026 during the Triple Zero campaign.

Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency urged calm vigilance after Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case, linked to the outbreak in the DRC. Health authorities say they are screening travellers at Freetown airport and land borders. Child Nutrition: The government and World Food Programme have begun building a food-processing plant in Bombali to produce fortified foods for children aged 6–23 months, using locally sourced ingredients. The EU-funded programme plans for a women-led enterprise to operate the facility. Outbreak Care: Sierra Leone and Germany are backing a child-friendly isolation unit at Ola During Children’s Hospital in Freetown, with training for staff in infection prevention, intensive care and psychosocial support. Maternal and Child Health: The Health Ministry is reviewing deaths weekly and using a monitoring dashboard to track gaps and corrective action. UNFPA says maternal deaths fell from 256 in 2025 to 176 in 2026 during the Triple Zero campaign.

Child Health: Sierra Leone and Germany have unveiled plans for a child-friendly isolation unit at Ola During Children’s Hospital in Freetown. The project includes staff training in infection control, triage and intensive care. Ebola Preparedness: After Kenya confirmed an imported Ebola case linked to the deadly DRC outbreak, Sierra Leone’s NPHA urged calm and vigilance. Health authorities say screening continues at the airport and land borders. Maternal and Child Care: The Health Ministry is reviewing maternal and child deaths weekly, using real-time data to identify preventable causes and address care gaps. UNFPA reports maternal deaths fell 31.3% during the Triple Zero campaign, from 256 in 2025 to 176 in 2026. Meningitis Awareness: Health officials and partners took prevention messages to Freetown communities, urging vaccination and prompt care for symptoms such as fever, severe headache and stiff neck. Neonatal Care: UNICEF and the UK have provided £32,000 in medical equipment to boost neonatal services in Makeni.

Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency urged calm and vigilance after Kenya confirmed an imported Ebola case linked to the worsening outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Health teams will screen travellers at Freetown International Airport and official land crossings, and are asking the public to share accurate travel and health information. Maternal and Child Health: The Ministry of Health says it now reviews maternal and child deaths weekly, using a monitoring dashboard to identify gaps and prompt action. UNFPA figures show maternal deaths fell from 256 in 2025 to 176 in 2026 during the Triple Zero campaign. Meningitis Awareness: Health authorities and partners took prevention messages to Freetown communities, urging people to recognise symptoms and seek care quickly; vaccination was highlighted as a key protection. Hospital Care: Connaught Hospital is set for a major surgical infrastructure upgrade, while UNICEF and the UK have provided £32,000 in equipment to support neonatal care in Makeni.

Ebola Alert: Sierra Leone’s NPHA urged calm and vigilance after Kenya confirmed an imported Ebola case linked to the worsening outbreak in the DRC, where deaths have topped 4,000. Health officials say they will strengthen screening at Freetown airport and land borders and ask travellers to share accurate health and travel information. Maternal and Child Health: The Health Ministry is reviewing deaths weekly and tracking findings in a live dashboard to help teams address gaps in care. UNFPA says maternal deaths fell from 256 in 2025 to 176 in 2026 during the Triple Zero campaign, which also targets preventable child deaths and missed routine vaccinations. Meningitis Prevention: The Ministry, NPHA, WHO and partners took prevention messages to Freetown communities, stressing vaccination, early symptom recognition and prompt treatment. Care Upgrades: UNICEF and the UK have provided £32,000 in equipment to strengthen neonatal care in Makeni, while Connaught Hospital is set for a major surgical infrastructure upgrade.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has worsened, with government figures putting deaths at 4,018 and confirmed cases at 8,300 across seven provinces, as weak infrastructure and conflict continue to slow response efforts. Kenya First Case: Kenya confirmed its first Ebola case after a Kenyan national died in Nairobi following return from the DRC; health authorities say family members and healthcare workers have been quarantined and contacts are being traced. Sierra Leone Meningitis Push: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, NPHA and partners held a Freetown health walk ahead of World Meningitis Day (Oct 5), urging early recognition of symptoms and faster care-seeking, alongside vaccination messages. Neonatal Care Support: UNICEF and UK support delivered about £32,000 in medical equipment to restore neonatal services at Makeni Regional Hospital after a fire destroyed its Special Care Baby Unit. Workplace Safety (Freetown): A recycling yard worker was killed after being struck by a front loader at Excel Recycling in Freetown; police and investigators are probing the incident. Local Health Leadership (SLP): Sierra Leone Police carried out a major reshuffle, transferring 13 senior officers as part of an administrative reorganisation.

Ebola Update (DRC): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 8,300 confirmed cases and 4,018 deaths across seven provinces, with conflict, weak infrastructure and mistrust slowing response efforts. Meningitis Awareness (Freetown): Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry and NPHA, with partners and WHO support, held a community health walk ahead of World Meningitis Day to push prevention, early recognition and prompt treatment. Neonatal Care (Makeni): UNICEF and UK support delivered about £32,000 in medical equipment to restore neonatal services at Makeni Regional Hospital after a fire destroyed its Special Care Baby Unit. Workplace Safety (Freetown): A recycling yard worker died after being struck by a front loader at Excel Recycling, as police and EMS investigated the incident. Prison Staffing (Sierra Leone): The Correctional Service says over 7,000 inmates are managed by fewer than 2,000 officers, urging recruitment of 1,500 more to improve security and rehabilitation. Local Health Infrastructure (Freetown): NIDO-SL began a foundation-laying for a planned medical centre in Mambo to expand affordable healthcare services.

Police & Prisons: Sierra Leone Police issued Transfer Order No. 246/10/2026 moving 13 senior officers, including ACP John F. Tumbay to Acting Director of Training, while the Correctional Service says prison numbers have risen above 7,000 with fewer than 2,000 officers—pushing calls for 1,500 more recruits. Jobs & Health: Marampa Mines is reportedly preparing to cut about 925 jobs in its “Marampa Reset” restructuring, raising concerns for workers and families. Maternal & Newborn Care: UNICEF and UK support helped restore neonatal services at Makeni Regional Hospital after a fire destroyed its Special Care Baby Unit, with £32,000 in medical equipment. Disease Prevention: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry and NPHA, with partners, held a Freetown health walk to boost meningitis awareness ahead of World Meningitis Day, stressing early care and vaccination. Regional Health Alert: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000 deaths and 8,300 confirmed cases, with a key transit centre burned in Ituri—showing how conflict and weak systems keep response efforts under pressure. Workplace Safety: A recycling yard worker died after being struck by a front loader in Freetown, with investigations ongoing. Health Services Expansion: NIDO-SL began a medical centre project in Mambo, Freetown, aiming to expand affordable care for Nigerians and other residents.

Meningitis Awareness in Freetown: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry, NPHA, WHO and partners held a community health walk ahead of World Meningitis Day (Oct 5), urging people to recognize symptoms early and seek prompt treatment, while highlighting vaccination as key prevention. Neonatal Care Boost: UNICEF and the UK (FCDO) delivered about £32,000 in medical equipment to restore neonatal services at Makeni Regional Hospital after a fire destroyed its Special Care Baby Unit, aiming to improve care for premature and severely ill newborns. Maternal Health Progress: UNFPA reports Sierra Leone is accelerating efforts to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths through MPDSR reviews, noting major gains in maternal mortality reduction and rising skilled birth attendance. Prison Staffing Pressure: The Sierra Leone Correctional Service says inmate numbers have risen above 7,000 while correctional officers are fewer than 2,000, calling for recruitment of 1,500 more officers to improve security and rehabilitation. Workplace Safety Alert: A worker was killed after being struck by a front loader at a recycling yard in Freetown, with investigations ongoing. Ebola Watch (Regional): DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000 deaths and 8,300 confirmed cases, with response efforts challenged by conflict and the loss of a key transit centre. Health Infrastructure Partnership: NIDO-SL marked Nigeria’s 66th Independence with the foundation-laying of a planned medical centre in Freetown to provide affordable healthcare.

Meningitis Awareness: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry, NPHA and partners held a community health walk in Freetown ahead of World Meningitis Day (Oct 5), urging people to recognize symptoms early and seek prompt treatment, while highlighting vaccination as key prevention. Neonatal Care Boost: UNICEF and the UK (FCDO) delivered about £32,000 in medical equipment to restore neonatal services at Makeni Regional Hospital after a fire destroyed its Special Care Baby Unit, aiming to improve care for premature and low-birthweight babies. Maternal Health Progress: UNFPA reports Sierra Leone is accelerating efforts to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths through MPDSR, citing major gains in maternal mortality reduction and stronger midwifery and skilled birth attendance. Hospital Upgrade Plans: Connaught Hospital is set for major surgical infrastructure improvements, including a new Central Sterile Services Department and renovation of the main Operating Theatre Complex, with Mercy Ships supporting. Workplace Safety: A recycling yard worker was killed in Freetown after being struck by a front loader; police and investigators are still probing the incident. Ebola Update (Regional): DR Congo’s Ebola death toll rose past 4,000 with over 8,300 confirmed cases, as conflict and a burned transit centre disrupt response efforts.

Ebola Update (DR Congo): Congo’s Ebola death toll has climbed to 4,018 with 8,300 confirmed cases across seven provinces, as health teams struggle amid conflict and weak infrastructure; a key Ebola transit centre in Ituri was burned, forcing 19,000 people to flee and worsening access to care. Neonatal Care (Sierra Leone): UNICEF and the UK delivered about £32,000 in medical equipment to restore neonatal services at Makeni Regional Hospital after a fire destroyed its Special Care Baby Unit, aiming to bring lifesaving newborn care back to the Northern Region. Hospital Upgrade (Sierra Leone): Connaught Hospital is set for major surgical improvements, including a new Central Sterile Services Department facility and renovation of the main Operating Theatre Complex, with support from Mercy Ships. Maternal Health (Sierra Leone): UNFPA backs a national review to strengthen Sierra Leone’s Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR), citing major progress in cutting maternal mortality and expanding midwifery and skilled birth attendance. Health Systems (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health sent a delegation to India to improve hospital equipment management and biomedical engineering capacity, including technical checks with a medical systems supplier. Meningitis Awareness (Sierra Leone): The National Public Health Agency trained journalists and bloggers ahead of World Meningitis Day to share accurate prevention and treatment messages as suspected cases continue to be reported. Community Health (Sierra Leone): NIDO-SL marked Nigeria’s 66th Independence with the foundation-laying of a planned medical centre in Freetown to expand affordable healthcare for Nigerians, Sierra Leoneans and others.

Ebola Update (DR Congo): The DRC Ebola outbreak has surged to 8,300 confirmed cases and 4,018 deaths across seven provinces, with health teams battling conflict, weak infrastructure, and mistrust; the UN also reports a key Ebola transit centre in Ituri burned down, forcing 19,000 people to flee. Neonatal Care (Sierra Leone): UNICEF and the UK delivered about £32,000 in medical equipment to restart neonatal services at Makeni Regional Hospital after a fire destroyed its Special Care Baby Unit, aiming to bring lifesaving care closer to families. Hospital Upgrade (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health is planning major improvements at Connaught Hospital, including a new Central Sterile Services Department facility and renovation of the main Operating Theatre Complex with Mercy Ships support. Maternal Health (Sierra Leone): UNFPA says Sierra Leone is accelerating progress to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths through MPDSR reviews, noting big gains in maternal mortality and skilled birth attendance. Meningitis Awareness (Sierra Leone): NPHA is training journalists and bloggers ahead of 2026 World Meningitis Day to share accurate prevention and treatment messages as suspected cases continue. Medical Capacity (Sierra Leone): A Sierra Leone Ministry of Health delegation visited India to strengthen hospital equipment management and biomedical engineering, including quality checks with a medical systems supplier. Community Health Project (Sierra Leone): Danabelsandy launched a climate-resilient agriculture initiative supporting 210 farmers, linking healthier livelihoods with resilience.

Ebola in Congo: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 4,018 deaths and 8,300 confirmed cases across seven provinces, with response efforts strained by conflict, weak infrastructure, and a burned transit centre that forced 19,000 people to flee. Neonatal care boost in Sierra Leone: UNICEF and the UK delivered about £32,000 in medical equipment to restart neonatal services at Makeni Regional Hospital after a fire destroyed its Special Care Baby Unit, expanding access to lifesaving care for premature and sick newborns. Hospital upgrade: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health is planning major surgical improvements at Connaught Hospital, including a new Central Sterile Services Department and renovations to the main Operating Theatre Complex with Mercy Ships support. Maternal health progress: UNFPA reports Sierra Leone is accelerating efforts to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths through MPDSR reviews, noting major gains in maternal mortality reduction and rising skilled birth attendance. Health system capacity: A Sierra Leone Ministry of Health delegation visited India to strengthen hospital equipment management and biomedical engineering capacity, including technical checks with medical suppliers. Public health communication: NPHA is training journalists and bloggers ahead of 2026 World Meningitis Day to spread accurate information on symptoms, prevention, and treatment. Local health projects: NIDO-SL marked Nigeria’s 66th Independence with a foundation-laying for a planned medical centre in Freetown, aiming for affordable care for Nigerians and Sierra Leoneans. Workplace safety: A recycling yard worker died after being struck by a front loader in Freetown, with investigations ongoing.

Ebola in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 4,018 deaths and 8,300 confirmed cases across seven provinces, as conflict and weak access keep response teams under pressure; the UN also reports a key transit centre in Ituri was burned, forcing 19,000 people to flee. Neonatal care boost in Sierra Leone: UNICEF and the UK delivered about £32,000 in medical equipment to restart neonatal services at Makeni Regional Hospital after a fire destroyed its Special Care Baby Unit, aiming to improve survival for premature and severely ill newborns. Maternal health progress: UNFPA says Sierra Leone is accelerating the fight against maternal deaths through MPDSR reviews, citing major gains in maternal mortality reduction and rising skilled birth attendance. Hospital upgrade: Connaught Hospital is set for major surgical improvements, including a new Central Sterile Services Department and renovation of the main Operating Theatre Complex, supported by Mercy Ships. Health system capacity: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health sent a delegation to India to strengthen hospital equipment management and biomedical engineering, including factory testing with a medical systems supplier. Meningitis awareness push: NPHA is training journalists and bloggers ahead of World Meningitis Day to share accurate prevention and treatment messages as suspected cases continue. Local health partnerships: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister highlighted collaboration with Harvard University on health and research initiatives, including work linked to maternal health gains.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000 deaths (4,018) and 8,300 confirmed cases across seven provinces, with the Bundibugyo strain driving the worst epidemic in the country’s history; WHO warns insecurity, displacement, and limited access to care are slowing containment. Maternal Health (Sierra Leone): UNFPA says Sierra Leone is accelerating progress to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths through a two-day national MPDSR review, citing major gains in maternal mortality reduction and rising skilled birth attendance. Hospital Care (Sierra Leone): Connaught Hospital is set for a major surgical upgrade, including plans to improve the Central Sterile Services Department and renovate the main Operating Theatre Complex with Mercy Ships support. Health Systems (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health is strengthening medical equipment management via a five-day mission in India focused on procurement quality, maintenance, and biomedical engineering capacity. Public Health Communication (Sierra Leone): NPHA is training journalists and bloggers ahead of 2026 World Meningitis Day to spread accurate messages on symptoms, prevention, and treatment. Community Health & Nutrition (Sierra Leone): A church-led initiative is coordinating collaboration across groups working on maternal newborn care, immunisation, nutrition, and clinic upgrades, including in Sierra Leone. Safety & Work (Freetown): A 52-year-old worker died after being struck by a front loader at a recycling yard in Freetown; police and EMS responded and an investigation is ongoing.

Ebola Update (DR Congo): DR Congo has confirmed 8,067 Ebola cases and 3,901 deaths as insecurity in Ituri disrupts humanitarian work, including after a transit centre in Kigonze burned down and thousands fled camps, reducing access to care. Hospital Capacity (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health sent a delegation to India to strengthen hospital equipment management and biomedical engineering, including factory testing and plans to improve maintenance and spare-parts systems. Meningitis Awareness (Sierra Leone): NPHA and partners trained journalists and bloggers ahead of 2026 World Meningitis Day, focusing on symptoms, prevention, treatment, and accurate public messaging as suspected cases continue. Maternal Health & Research Links (Sierra Leone): Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh highlighted ongoing collaboration with Harvard, including work linked to the Triple Zero campaign and progress in maternal mortality reduction in Bo and Makeni. Food & Health (Sierra Leone): Danabelsandy launched a community-led climate-resilient agriculture project for 210 farmers, aiming to protect livelihoods and food production amid climate pressures. Community Health & Cleanliness (Sierra Leone): India’s High Commission staff took a Swachhhta pledge, committing volunteer hours to cleanliness and hygiene promotion. Sports Nutrition (Sierra Leone): Former Leone Stars player Musa Kallon urged stronger medical and nutrition assessments for players before national duty to protect welfare during international matches. Health Worker Deportation (Iowa, diaspora concern): Advocates in Iowa are calling for the release of UI hospital worker Fatou Traore, detained by ICE and facing deportation to Sierra Leone, a country she has never lived in.