AGP Executive Report

Maternal Health Push: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health says its 300 Days of Activism campaign has cut maternal deaths by 30% in the first 150 days, alongside a 14% drop in child deaths and identification plus immunisation of 79% of “zero-dose” children. Immunisation Funding: The Ministry of Finance assured health stakeholders it will immediately pay Sierra Leone’s GAVI co-financing to protect vaccine procurement and cold-chain support, after earlier delays. Ebola Watch (DRC): Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spreading fastest on record, with health officials saying cases could surpass 4,000 this week; delayed detection, conflict, weak surveillance, and lack of vaccines are key drivers. Cancer Care (KFAED): Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development reaffirmed support for Sierra Leone’s planned Cancer Centre in Kerry Town, including diagnostics, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine, pending government approval. Public Health Data: The Health Ministry launched the 2026 Demographic and Health Survey to guide planning on maternal and child health, nutrition, fertility and mortality, with 188 staff trained for data collection. Drowning Prevention: Sierra Leone marked World Drowning Prevention Day with a national push to reduce preventable drowning deaths through community education and water safety action.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is racing toward 4,000 cases this week, described as the fastest spreading on record since it was declared in May, with delayed detection, overwhelmed surveillance, conflict, and lack of vaccines and treatments helping the virus outrun containment. Health Data for Planning: Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby, has launched the 2026 Demographic and Health Survey to guide maternal and child health, nutrition, fertility, mortality, and other key decisions, with 188 staff trained for the nationwide exercise. Cancer Care Push: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) reaffirmed support for Sierra Leone’s planned Cancer Centre in Kerry Town, including diagnostics, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine, pending government approval. Cleaner Air & Transport: Sierra Leone is moving to adopt ECOWAS cleaner fuel and vehicle standards after a national workshop in Freetown, aiming to improve fuel quality and cut emissions. Public Health Safety: Sierra Leone marks World Drowning Prevention Day with renewed calls for water safety education and coordinated action to reduce preventable deaths. Accountability in Health Systems: Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission indicted an NMSA volunteer over alleged misappropriation of a donated ultrasound machine valued at US$38,000. Sports Welfare: SLFA paid Le75,000 ex gratia to the family of late Bureh Ganso Koroma after an investigation into negligence allegations. Energy for Health: Sungrow commissioned the World Bank-backed RESPITE solar-plus-storage project, adding 35MWh battery capacity to support a more reliable grid.

Public Health Lab Upgrade: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation has launched a costed national roadmap to expand acute febrile illness diagnostic capacity, aiming to improve testing, surveillance, lab quality, and faster outbreak readiness. Essential Medicines Delivery: NMSA has delivered seven truckloads of free healthcare commodities to Tonkolili District, with calls for strict distribution to pregnant women, lactating mothers, children under five, people with disabilities, and Ebola/COVID-19 survivors. Drowning Prevention Push: Sierra Leone marked World Drowning Prevention Day with a national “Unite to Turn the Tide” campaign, including beach sensitisation and practical water-safety demonstrations in Freetown. Sexual Health Debate: A new commentary argues that sexual and reproductive health research and programmes in Sierra Leone and beyond should better reflect Global South perspectives, including pleasure and lived experience, not just disease prevention. Corruption Case in Health Supply Chain: The ACC indicted an NMSA volunteer over alleged misappropriation of a US$38,000 ultrasound machine meant for distribution under the Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme. Regional Public Health Leadership: Sierra Leone’s Patrick Hansil Lansana was elected to an ECOWAS regional role focused on risk communication, community engagement, and infodemic management. Power for Health Services: World Bank-backed RESPITE solar-plus-storage has been commissioned, adding 35MWh of storage to support a more reliable grid—critical for hospitals and clinics.

Anti-Corruption & Health Supply: The Anti-Corruption Commission has indicted a volunteer linked to NMSA’s Fawaz warehouse in Freetown for allegedly misappropriating a donated US$38,000 portable ultrasound machine meant for public health units in Bo District. Public Health Systems: The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has launched a costed national roadmap to expand diagnostic capacity for acute febrile illness, aiming to improve testing, surveillance, and outbreak readiness. Medicines Distribution: NMSA delivered seven truckloads of free healthcare commodities to Tonkolili DHMT, with officials urging strict delivery to PHUs and warning against diversion. Regional Health Leadership: Sierra Leone’s Patrick Hansil Lansana has been elected Vice President of the ECOWAS Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Network, boosting community-focused epidemic response across West Africa. Water Safety Push: Sierra Leone marks World Drowning Prevention Day with a national campaign to reduce preventable drowning deaths through community education and safer water practices. Energy & Health Access: Sierra Leone commissioned a World Bank-backed solar-plus-storage project adding 35MWh of battery capacity to help cut long outages that disrupt essential services. Ebola Watch (DRC): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 3,500 cases and 1,500 deaths, with transmission still outpacing response and no vaccine available for the specific strain.

Acute Febrile Illness Plan: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health has unveiled a costed national roadmap to expand diagnostic capacity for acute febrile illness, aiming for faster, more accurate testing, better surveillance, and smarter use of antimicrobial medicines. Medicine Supply Boost: The National Medical Supplies Agency delivered seven truckloads of essential medicines and health supplies to Tonkolili, with warnings against diversion and a push to reach pregnant women, lactating mothers, children under five, and Ebola/COVID-19 survivors. Ebola Watch (DRC): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 3,500 cases and 1,500 deaths, with transmission still outpacing response and no approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain. Regional Public Health Leadership: Sierra Leone’s Patrick Lansana has been elected Vice President of the ECOWAS Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Network, strengthening community-focused emergency response across West Africa. Power for Health Services: Sierra Leone commissioned a World Bank-backed solar-plus-storage project adding 35MWh of battery capacity to help reduce long outages that disrupt health and other services. Training for Nurses: COMAHS (University of Sierra Leone) released admission requirements for BSc (Hons) Nursing and Higher Diploma in Nursing programmes. Local Health Access: NMSA’s Tonkolili distribution underlines ongoing efforts to keep peripheral health units stocked with free healthcare commodities.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 3,532 confirmed cases and 1,556 deaths, becoming the world’s second-largest on record as transmission keeps outpacing response and insecurity strains health services. Ebola Lessons (Spotting Delay): A new report says the outbreak may have started as early as January—months before it was officially detected—while WHO warns the response scale still isn’t where it needs to be. Sierra Leone Health Systems: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health has launched a costed national roadmap to expand acute febrile illness diagnostic capacity, aiming to improve lab testing, surveillance, and safer antimicrobial use. Medicines to Districts: NMSA delivered seven truckloads of essential medicines to Tonkolili, with officials urging strict delivery to pregnant women, lactating mothers, children under five, and survivors of Ebola and COVID-19. Public Health Leadership: Sierra Leone’s Patrick Hansil Lansana was elected Vice President of the ECOWAS RCCE Network, boosting regional risk communication and community engagement. Power for Health (Solar-Storage): Sierra Leone commissioned a World Bank-backed 35MWh solar-plus-storage project, adding major battery capacity to support a grid that often faces long outages. Training & Preparedness: NPHA ran a nationwide functional simulation exercise at key entry points to test Ebola detection, reporting, isolation, and coordination. Tobacco Control: Sierra Leone reaffirmed commitment to tobacco control and resisting industry interference during ATIM training in Lagos. Education (Nursing Admissions): COMAHS released admission requirements for BSc (Hons) Nursing and Higher Diploma in Nursing programmes. ECOWAS/Regional Health Role: Lansana’s election and the RCCE network push highlight stronger community trust-building for outbreaks across West Africa.

Ebola Alert (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 3,532 confirmed cases and 1,556 deaths, becoming the world’s second-largest on record, driven by the Bundibugyo strain with no approved vaccine or treatment and worsened by insecurity and stretched resources. Preparedness Boost (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency (NPHA) ran a nationwide functional simulation exercise at key entry points—Freetown International Airport, Gendema, and Gbalamuya Border Crossing—to test detection, reporting, isolation, infection control, risk communication, and coordination for Ebola and other emerging threats. Training Upgrade (Sierra Leone): The Ministry of Health, with U.S. support, launched an Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Programme to build a stronger “disease detective” workforce for outbreak detection and control. Nursing Admissions (COMAHS): COMAHS released admission requirements for its BSc (Hons) Nursing and Higher Diploma in Nursing programmes, outlining entry routes and qualification criteria. Regional Health Leadership (ECOWAS): Patrick Habsil Lansana was elected Vice President of the ECOWAS Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Network, aiming to strengthen community trust and safer responses across West Africa.

Public Transport & Health Access: Jagaban’s $3m bus fleet is cleared at Freetown Port, with 25 new buses ready to improve commuter travel—key for getting people to clinics and schools. Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s NPHA ran a nationwide functional simulation at key entry points (airport and border crossings) with US CDC support to test detection, reporting, isolation, and risk communication. Regional Health Leadership: Patrick Habsil Lansana was elected Vice President of the ECOWAS RCCE Network, aiming to strengthen community trust and safer outbreak response across West Africa. DRC Ebola Watch: The DRC Ebola outbreak has surged to about 3,532 cases and 1,556 deaths, now the world’s second-largest on record, with response strained by insecurity and weak contact tracing. Tobacco Control: Sierra Leone reaffirmed commitment to protect tobacco control policies from industry interference, stressing WHO FCTC Article 5.3. Budget & Health Funding Pressure: Parliament approved the 2026 supplementary budget after oil-price shocks, with lawmakers also set to grill the NRA over revenue shortfalls that could affect health and other priorities. Governance & Rule of Law: ILRAJ condemned police disruption of the Sierra Leone Bar Association AGM, calling for rule of law and an independent process—important for public trust in institutions.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s fast-spreading Ebola outbreak has climbed to 3,532 confirmed cases and 1,556 deaths, making it the world’s second-largest on record, with health teams facing insecurity, attacks on facilities, and limited response resources. Ebola Response (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency (NPHA) ran a nationwide functional simulation at key entry points to test detection, reporting, isolation, infection control, risk communication, and coordination—aimed at strengthening readiness for Ebola and other emerging threats. Training Boost (Sierra Leone): The Ministry of Health and NPHA launched the Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Programme (Advanced FETP) with U.S. support to build “disease detective” capacity for outbreak investigation and control. Regional Health Leadership: Sierra Leone’s Patrick Habsil Lansana was elected Vice President of the ECOWAS Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Network, pushing stronger community trust for safer health outcomes. Health & Community (Food Security): MP Hawa Kallon expanded her “Operation Feed Your Community” initiative with farm support—seedlings, land prep help, mechanized equipment, and livestock/fish support—to improve household food security. Public Health Systems (Maternal Care Research): A study on pre-eclampsia management highlights knowledge, practice, and health system challenges among midwives at Princess Christian Maternity Hospital. Pharma Leadership: MeCure Industries appointed Anderline Dukor as sole CEO, a governance shift expected to improve execution and accountability.

Ebola Watch (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 3,500 confirmed cases and 1,500 deaths, now the world’s second-largest on record, with officials warning contact tracing gaps and insecurity are slowing containment. Ebola Response (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency (NPHA) is running nationwide functional simulation drills at key entry points, and the Ministry of Health has launched an Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Programme with U.S. support to build “disease detective” capacity. Deportations & Health Screening: A third batch of U.S. deportees arrived in Freetown under the TCNA deal, with immigration, health, and security checks carried out before transfer to contracted reception and care services. Local Health & Food Security: MP Hawa Kallon is pushing “Operation Feed Your Community” to boost farming inputs, mechanized land preparation, and livestock and fisheries support. Governance & Revenue: Parliament is set to grill the National Revenue Authority over missed domestic revenue targets, raising concerns about funding for health and other priorities. Business/Pharma: MeCure Industries appoints a new single CEO, Anderline Dukor, effective August 1.

Ebola Watch (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 3,532 confirmed cases and 1,556 deaths, making it the world’s second-largest on record, with response efforts struggling as transmission outpaces containment. Ebola Preparedness (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency (NPHA) ran a nationwide functional simulation exercise at key entry points—Freetown International Airport, Gendema, and Gbalamuya—to test detection, reporting, isolation, infection prevention and control, and risk communication, with support from US CDC and partners. Epidemiology Training (Sierra Leone): The Ministry of Health and NPHA launched the Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Programme to build a stronger “disease detective” workforce for outbreak investigation and emergency response. Public Health & Safety (Sierra Leone): A Falaba District suspected rape case has raised concerns about the role of traditional beliefs, after the suspect claimed ritual items were provided to help carry out the attack; police say no belief can justify violence and are urging reporting through official channels. Health Systems & Medicines (Sierra Leone): MeCure Industries appointed Anderline Ndidi Dukor as its new sole CEO from August 1, 2026, aiming to improve execution and accountability. Food Security (Sierra Leone): MP Hawa Kallon expanded “Operation Feed Your Community” in Makpele and Sorogbema with support for farming inputs, mechanized land preparation, and livestock and fisheries development.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 3,500 cases, reaching about 3,532 confirmed infections and 1,556 deaths, making it the world’s second-largest on record as transmission outpaces containment. Epidemic Origins (DRC): A new Science report suggests the outbreak may have started as early as January in Ituri, with suspected cases circulating weeks or even months before official declaration. Sierra Leone Public Health (Training): Sierra Leone, with the U.S. Government, has launched an Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Programme to build “disease detective” capacity for outbreak detection, investigation, and response. Health System Focus (Maternal Care): A study highlights gaps in managing pre-eclampsia at Princess Christian Maternity Hospital, pointing to training and supply challenges affecting outcomes. Health & Safety (Local): Sierra Leone’s health sector also intersects with community safety as reports continue on serious injuries and deaths from road incidents, underscoring the need for prevention and timely care.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 3,532 cases and 1,556 deaths, making it the world’s second largest on record and the fastest-growing ever, with infections reportedly doubling about every 20 days. Epidemiology Training (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone has launched its first Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Programme to boost disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, emergency response, and public health decision-making. Maternal Health (Pre-eclampsia): A study on midwives at Princess Christian Maternity Hospital highlights knowledge and health-system challenges in managing pre-eclampsia—an issue linked to severe pregnancy complications. Women’s Protection (FGM/Child Marriage): Sierra Leone is developing a national plan to operationalise the African Union Accountability Framework to end harmful practices like FGM and child, early and forced marriage. Health Workforce & Care Quality: UNFPA says maternal mortality won’t fall without fixing health system weaknesses, social inequalities, and financing gaps—not just political promises. Public Health Skills (Tobacco Control): Public health advocates from 12 countries, including Sierra Leone, trained in Lagos to better monitor and counter tobacco industry interference in policy. Community Health Supplies: NMSA delivered 12 truckloads of essential medical supplies to Kenema, supporting frontline care.

Maternal Health: A Sierra Leone study on midwives at Princess Christian Maternity Hospital highlights gaps in managing pre-eclampsia, a key driver of maternal and newborn deaths. Maternal Mortality Financing: UNFPA says the failure to end maternal mortality is less about lack of political will and more about health system weaknesses, social inequality, and inadequate funding. FGM/Child Marriage Accountability: Sierra Leone convened a Freetown workshop to develop a national plan to operationalise the African Union accountability framework to end FGM and child, early and forced marriage. Health Workforce & Quality Care: A wider health systems report stresses that shortages and poor working conditions for maternal and neonatal staff can undermine quality care. Public Health Skills: Sierra Leone nurses received new training in traditional Chinese medicine, while regional public health advocates trained to counter tobacco industry interference. Health Systems Logistics: A low-cost decision-support tool piloted in Sierra Leone improved medicine allocation and boosted consumption in treated districts. Admissions (Health Education): University of Sierra Leone reopened its online portal for 2026/2027 admissions, including COMAHS programmes.

Maternal health & workforce: A Sierra Leone study at Princess Christian Maternity Hospital highlights gaps in knowledge, practice, and health system support for managing pre-eclampsia—an issue that can quickly turn deadly when seizures (eclampsia) occur. Health supply chain: The National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) delivered 12 truckloads of essential medicines to Kenema under the Free Healthcare Programme, aiming to prevent shortages by improving storage, tracking, and last-mile distribution. Maternal mortality financing: UNFPA’s West and Central Africa director says progress on maternal deaths is held back by health system weaknesses, social inequality, and inadequate funding—not lack of political will. FGM/child marriage accountability: Sierra Leone convened a consultative workshop to operationalise the AU Accountability Framework to end FGM and child, early, and forced marriage, strengthening national monitoring and reporting. Training & prevention: Public health advocates from across Africa trained in Lagos on monitoring and countering tobacco industry interference in policy. Reproductive care capacity: Merck Foundation marked World ART Day, noting scholarships that have helped build fertility and reproductive care skills, including in Sierra Leone. Community support: MP Hawa Kallon donated cement and zinc sheets to rehabilitate a church building in Solima, alongside her reported support for education and healthcare in her constituency.

Maternal Health & Harmful Practices: Sierra Leone is developing a national plan to implement the African Union Accountability Framework to end FGM and child, early and forced marriage, with UNFPA supporting monitoring and institutional accountability. Health Supplies & Service Delivery: The National Medical Supplies Agency delivered 12 truckloads of essential medicines to Kenema District under the Free Healthcare Programme, aiming to prevent shortages through better storage, tracking and last-mile distribution. Public Health Financing: UNFPA’s West and Central Africa director says maternal mortality won’t fall without fixing health system weaknesses, tackling social inequality and increasing financing—not just political will. Tobacco Control Capacity: Public health advocates from 12 countries, including Sierra Leone, trained in Lagos to better monitor and counter tobacco industry interference in policy. Reproductive Health Skills: Merck Foundation marked World Assisted Reproductive Technology Day, highlighting scholarships that have helped build local fertility care capacity across several African countries, including Sierra Leone. Health Infrastructure Investment: Saudi Fund for Development talks in Riyadh advanced Sierra Leone’s US$50m Riyadh Referral Hospital project, targeting improved specialist services.