AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response: Africa CDC, WHO and Uganda launched a Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST) to strengthen coordinated, country-led emergency response as Ebola continues in the region. Clean Water & Public Health: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr inspected solar-powered water kiosks in Pamronkoh, highlighting how reliable clean water supports better health and education. Health Facility Hygiene: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health began a nationwide monthly cleaning exercise for hospitals and health centres, starting at Koidu Government Hospital in Kono, with WHO and Partners In Health support. Maternal & Hospital Management: MoH and Partners in Health launched a Joint Hospital Management Framework at Koidu Government Hospital to improve accountability, planning and maternal/newborn care, including plans for new diagnostic services. Electricity for Health Services: World Bank approved US$60m for Sierra Leone to expand clean, distributed electricity (solar home systems and mini-grids), aiming to power households, schools and health facilities. Training More Doctors: Ten Sierra Leoneans graduated as medical doctors from RUDN in Russia, boosting the country’s pool of internationally trained health workers. Health & Rights: A pushback on gender and health rights is growing across Africa, including debate over a proposed “African Charter” that could weaken women’s rights protections.

Safe Water Access: A new global map shows safe drinking water is still out of reach for billions, with access below 20% in several low-income countries—an urgent reminder for Sierra Leone’s water and sanitation push. Freetown Water Upgrade: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr inspected a solar-powered water kiosk in Pamronkoh, linking reliable clean water to better public health and education. Health Facility Cleanliness: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health launched a nationwide monthly cleaning exercise for hospitals and health centres, starting at Koidu Government Hospital in Kono, with partners supporting hygiene and safer care. Maternal Care Management: MoH and Partners in Health rolled out a Joint Hospital Management Framework at Koidu Government Hospital to strengthen accountability and improve maternal and newborn services. Ebola Watch: With Ebola cases rising in Central Africa, reports note the outbreak’s spread risk and the need for preparedness—plus a reminder that fear can outpace facts. Extreme Heat & Women’s Health: A report using Freetown data warns extreme heat is already harming city economies and health, hitting women in informal work hardest. Medical Training Boost: Ten Sierra Leoneans graduated as doctors from Russia’s RUDN, adding to the country’s pool of internationally trained health workers.

Ebola Watch: With Ebola fears rising again as the DRC outbreak tops 1,000 cases, experts say the risk to the average person remains low—but health systems and border surveillance still need strengthening. Health Facility Hygiene: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health has launched a nationwide monthly cleaning drive for hospitals and clinics, starting at Koidu Government Hospital in Kono, with partners supporting better sanitation and safer care. Water for Public Health: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr inspected a solar-powered water kiosk in Pamronkoh, linking reliable clean water to better health and education outcomes. Maternal Care Management: MoH and Partners in Health rolled out a Joint Hospital Management Framework at Koidu Government Hospital to improve accountability and strengthen maternal and newborn services. Medical Training: Ten Sierra Leoneans graduated as doctors from Russia’s RUDN University, adding to the country’s pool of internationally trained health workers. Climate & Health: A new report highlights how extreme heat is already hurting city economies and health—especially women in informal work—using Freetown as a key case study. Rights & Health: A pushback against gender equality is gaining ground across Africa, including debate over a proposed charter that could weaken women’s health rights.

Medical Training Boost: Ten Sierra Leonean students graduated as medical doctors from Russia’s RUDN, the biggest single cohort from the university, with two top performers earning “Red Diplomas.” Health Facility Hygiene: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health launched a nationwide monthly cleaning drive for hospitals and clinics, starting at Koidu Government Hospital in Kono, with WHO and Partners In Health supporting. Better Hospital Management: MoH and Partners In Health rolled out a Joint Hospital Management Framework at Koidu Government Hospital to strengthen accountability, planning, and maternal and newborn care, with plans for more specialized services. AI for Human Development: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh joined UN talks in Cairo on “AI and Human Development,” saying the country is building an AI-driven approach to improve education, healthcare, and governance. Ebola Watch: Experts warn the fast-moving Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda could spread further, with South Sudan at risk within weeks. Extreme Heat and Health: A new report using Freetown data links extreme heat to major economic losses and rising health harm—especially for women in informal work. Rights Under Pressure: A controversial pushback against gender equality is gaining traction across Africa, including calls to withdraw from women’s rights agreements. Public Health Lab Support: NPHA bid farewell to China CDC leaders credited with strengthening Sierra Leone’s public health laboratory systems, including Jui P3.

Ebola Update: Doctors say recoveries are rising in the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, but uncertainty remains because the virus is still poorly understood and many patients are still hospitalized. Cross-Border Alert: Experts warn the fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak could reach South Sudan within weeks, as weak border surveillance and contact tracing leave gaps. Vaccine Hope: Researchers in Cambridge report “master key” AI-aided vaccine technology that could help protect against whole families of viruses, aiming to reduce the problem of vaccines “chasing” new strains. Sierra Leone Health Systems: The Ministry of Health and Partners in Health launched a Joint Hospital Management Framework at Koidu Government Hospital in Kono to improve accountability, planning, and maternal and newborn care, with plans for advanced services like dialysis and CT. Electricity for Health: The World Bank approved US$60m for Sierra Leone to expand clean, off-grid renewable power under Mission 300, targeting households, schools, and health facilities. Heat & Health: A new report using Freetown data links extreme heat to lost productivity, health strain, and higher risks for women in informal work. Public Health Capacity: NPHA bid farewell to China CDC Sierra Leone leaders for support to strengthen the national laboratory system and the Jui P3 Laboratory. Food Security & Nutrition: MAFS and partners trained officials on Joint Monitoring Reports to trigger faster responses for farmers and vulnerable households, including nutrition support. Rights & Health Link: HRCSL and partners held talks on protecting coastal fishing communities’ rights, highlighting how environmental degradation is undermining access to food and health.

World Bank Funding for Health-Linked Power: Sierra Leone has secured US$60m from the World Bank to expand electricity access through clean, distributed renewable energy under Mission 300—aimed at powering households, schools, and health facilities via solar home systems and mini-grids, with plans to reach 1.2m people and 24,000 businesses. Ebola Alert Beyond Borders: Health experts warn the fast-moving Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda could reach South Sudan within weeks, as WHO modelling flags a high chance of cases spreading. Ebola Response Funding Push: The White House is seeking over US$1.4bn from Congress to fight Ebola, including humanitarian response and support for surveillance, labs, and a quarantine centre in Kenya. Public Health Capacity Boost: Sierra Leone’s NPHA has thanked China CDC leadership for strengthening the Jui P3 laboratory and national lab systems, signalling continued focus on public health security. Heat and Health in Freetown: A new report on extreme heat highlights major health and economic harm in cities like Freetown, with women in informal work hit hardest. Mental Health in Focus: A former Fourah Bay College student is receiving treatment at Kissy Psychiatric Hospital after a family property dispute drew public attention to his mental health challenges. Coastal Rights and Health Risks: Sierra Leone’s Human Rights Commission warns that environmental decline in coastal fishing communities is now a human rights and health issue, with gaps in governance and rising vulnerability.

Ebola Watch: France confirmed its first Ebola case linked to the current DRC outbreak after a doctor returned from a humanitarian mission; the patient is isolated and contacts are being traced, with WHO saying the risk to the wider public is low. Ebola Funding Pressure: The White House is seeking over $1.4bn from Congress to fight the widening Ebola outbreak, including $800m for humanitarian response and a quarantine centre plan in Kenya, alongside surveillance and lab support. Vaccine Research: Cambridge University researchers say AI-aided “master key” vaccine design could help protect against whole families of viruses and reduce the chase for new strains. Public Health Partnership: Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency bid farewell to China CDC Sierra Leone leaders, praising support for strengthening the Jui P3 Laboratory and national lab systems. Climate & Health: A new report using Freetown data warns extreme heat is already cutting city output and harming health, with women in informal work hit hardest. Rights & Livelihoods: HRCSL and partners held a workshop on protecting coastal fishing communities’ rights as environmental degradation and weak governance threaten food, health, and education. Mental Health Spotlight: A former FBC student is reportedly improving at Kissy Psychiatric Hospital after a family dispute reportedly affected his wellbeing.

Ebola Funding Push: The White House is asking Congress for over $1.4 billion to respond to the widening Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, including $800m for humanitarian action and a Kenya quarantine plan, plus $500m for global health security and $90m for diplomacy and evacuations. Cross-Border Ebola Alert: France confirmed its first Ebola case linked to the current DRC outbreak after a doctor returned from Congo; the patient is isolated and contacts are being traced, with WHO saying the risk to the wider public is low. Outbreak Scale in DRC: Ebola in the DRC has crossed 1,000 confirmed cases, with WHO warning the virus may have been circulating for months and that conflict-affected areas and displacement camps are making detection harder. Vaccine Breakthrough Hopes: Researchers say an AI-aided “master key” vaccine approach could help protect against whole families of viruses, aiming to reduce the problem of vaccines “chasing” new strains. Local Health & Safety: In Sierra Leone, a former FBC student is reportedly improving after treatment at Kissy Psychiatric Hospital following public attention on his condition. Animal Health in Freetown: A week-long campaign is offering free sterilisation and vaccinations for stray dogs in parts of Freetown to help curb rabies and other animal diseases.

Ebola Response Watch: A doctor returning to France from a humanitarian mission in DR Congo has tested positive for Ebola, with France isolating the patient and tracing contacts; WHO chief Tedros says the risk to the wider European public is low and there’s no need for panic. Ebola Surge in Congo: WHO reports DR Congo’s outbreak has passed 1,000 confirmed cases, with the highest first-month total of any Ebola outbreak in Africa, driven by spread into urban areas and displacement camps. Funding Pressure: The White House is asking Congress for over $1.4bn in fresh Ebola funding, including $800m for humanitarian response and support for a quarantine centre in Kenya. Local Health Security: Sierra Leone’s NPHA handed over 16 motorbikes to district medical officers to speed outbreak response, sample transport, and surveillance. Clean Cooking & Health: A clean cooking push in Nigeria highlights how switching from traditional biomass to cleaner stoves can improve public health while cutting emissions. Workplace Safety: An East Freetown company was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution after a 2023 accident killed a worker due to OSHA safety violations. Mental Health Spotlight: A former Fourah Bay College student is receiving treatment at Kissy Psychiatric Hospital after a viral video raised concerns about a family dispute and mental health impacts. Dog Health Campaign: Free vaccinations, sterilisation, and treatment are underway for stray dogs in Freetown to help curb rabies and other animal diseases. Policy Capacity Building: MoPED began Phase 2 training to help government staff turn research and data into decision-ready policy documents. Ebola Vaccine Research: Cambridge researchers say AI-aided “master key” vaccine technology could target whole families of viruses and help prevent future pandemics.

Ebola Update: DR Congo has crossed 1,000 confirmed Ebola cases, with WHO warning the outbreak is moving faster than response efforts and spreading into urban areas and displacement camps. Cross-Border Alert: France confirmed its first Ebola case linked to a doctor returning from the DRC; the patient is isolated and contact tracing is underway, with officials saying the risk to the wider population is low. West Africa Preparedness: ECOWAS says it is strengthening surveillance at airports and border points to reduce the risk of Ebola being imported into the region. Local Health Response: Sierra Leone’s NPHA handed over 16 motorbikes to district medical officers to speed outbreak detection and emergency response. Community Health & Safety: Freetown residents raised concerns after a drainage clearing project was abandoned early, warning of worsening flooding and higher mosquito-borne disease risk. Animal Health: Compassionate Paws Sierra Leone is running a free dog campaign in Freetown—spaying, castrating, and vaccinating to help curb rabies and stray dog numbers. Health Workforce Training: MoPED began Phase 2 of advanced training for policy and planning staff, focusing on turning research into decision-ready policy documents. Digital Access for Health & Education: Envoys flagged off three mobile computer labs (“DigiTrucks”) to support learning in underprivileged areas.

Ebola Watch (DR Congo): WHO says the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached the highest first-month caseload of any Ebola outbreak in Africa, with more than 1,000 cases and 267 deaths, and warns the response must scale up as cases spread into urban areas and displacement camps. West Africa Preparedness: ECOWAS is strengthening Ebola preparedness across member states, including surveillance at airports and border posts, stressing that early action costs less than response. Local Health Support (Sierra Leone): NPHA has handed over 16 motorbikes to District Medical Officers to speed up outbreak response, improve sample transport, and reach hard-to-access communities. Rainy-Season Health Risk (Freetown): Residents in Easton Street along the Hill Side Bypass Road report an abandoned drainage clearing project, with clogged drains worsening flooding and raising fears of mosquito-borne disease spread. Nutrition Boost (Sierra Leone): WFP and the EU are funding child nutrition and local food systems with support for fortified complementary foods, including upgrades to processing facilities and training for smallholder farmers. Public Health Education (Mosquitoes): Sierra Leone Telegraph highlights why mosquitoes remain a major focus for malaria research, pointing to the Anopheles gambiae complex as key to transmission.

Ebola Update (DRC): WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached the highest first-month total of any Ebola episode in Africa, with 1,000+ confirmed cases and 267 deaths, as spread into urban areas and displacement camps accelerates; WHO also notes Ebola bed capacity has risen to 500+ and community resistance is easing. Public Health & Nutrition (Sierra Leone): The EU and WFP are funding a €11.5m project to strengthen child nutrition and local food systems, supporting fortified complementary foods (including Nyam Nyam Pap) and upgrading processing facilities, with 25,000+ people expected to benefit. Pharma Regulation (Sierra Leone): Egypt’s Drug Authority signs an MoU with Sierra Leone’s Pharmacy Board to boost pharmaceutical regulation cooperation, technical exchange, and capacity building. Health Systems & Workforce (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health inaugurates a governance committee to strengthen health workforce training. Health & Safety (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone opens a blood bank and dental clinic for police healthcare, aiming to improve access to essential services. WASH/Outbreak Prevention (Region): Flood-related sanitation risks are being tackled through emergency fumigation and disinfection efforts in flood-affected communities.

Ebola Watch (DR Congo): Confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC have crossed 1,000, reaching 1,003 infections with 254 deaths, as health teams continue surveillance and prevention in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu while contact follow-up rates decline. Health Workforce (Sierra Leone): The Ministry of Health has launched a National Ministerial Performance and Training Governance Committee to better coordinate and fund health workforce training, tackling gaps and duplication. Medicines & Safety (Sierra Leone): The National Medical Supplies Agency MD warned staff against drug pilferage, citing the impact on access to essential medicines and noting CCTV coverage and zero tolerance. Pharma Regulation (Sierra Leone–Egypt): Egypt’s Drug Authority signed an MoU with Sierra Leone’s Pharmacy Board to strengthen pharmaceutical regulation, technical exchanges and capacity building. Mental Health & SGBV Support (Western Area): Family Support Unit personnel completed training on survivor-centred case management and psychosocial approaches to improve responses to sexual and gender-based violence. Drug Rehab (Kailahun): Over 50 drug addicts were transferred to Daru Rehabilitation Centre for treatment and rehabilitation, with counselling and support services. Inclusion & Climate Health (Albinism): SLAPWA urged government to include people with albinism in climate adaptation plans and push for free or subsidized sunscreen through public health facilities.

Ebola Watch (DR Congo): Confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC have crossed 1,000, reaching 1,003 infections and 254 deaths, as health teams continue surveillance and prevention in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Pharmaceutical Cooperation (Sierra Leone–Egypt): Egypt’s Drug Authority signed an MoU with Sierra Leone’s Pharmacy Board to strengthen drug regulation, share technical expertise, and build capacity. Health Workforce Planning: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health launched a governance committee to improve coordination and accountability in health workforce training, aiming to reduce gaps and duplication. Drug Abuse Rehab (Kailahun): Government transferred over 50 people affected by drug abuse to Daru Rehabilitation Centre for counselling and rehabilitation support. Medicines Supply Chain (NMSA): The National Medical Supplies Agency warned staff against drug pilferage, stressing professionalism and accountability. SGBV Support Training (Western Area): Family Support Unit personnel completed training on survivor-centred case management and psychosocial approaches for better SGBV response. Albinism & Climate Risk: SLAPWA urged inclusive climate adaptation policies, calling for protection from UV exposure and access to sunscreen for people living with albinism.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded 1,003 confirmed Ebola cases, including 254 deaths, as response teams continue surveillance and prevention in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Pharma Cooperation (Egypt–Sierra Leone): Egypt’s Drug Authority signed an MoU with Sierra Leone’s Pharmacy Board to strengthen pharmaceutical regulation, technical training and safer medicine oversight. Health System Readiness (VHF): Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency validated Viral Hemorrhagic Fever case management guidelines to improve how the country prevents, detects and responds during outbreaks. Drug Supply Accountability: The National Medical Supplies Agency warned staff against drug pilferage, citing the impact on access to essential medicines and announcing CCTV monitoring and zero tolerance for theft. Health Workforce Planning: The Ministry of Health launched a governance committee to improve coordination and training for the health workforce, aiming to reduce gaps and duplication. Public Health Travel Rules (UK warning): UK Foreign Office guidance says travellers must complete Sierra Leone’s Health Travel Portal declaration online within 72 hours and keep the QR code for screening. Mental Health & SGBV Support (Western Area): Family Support Unit personnel completed training on case management and psychosocial approaches for sexual and gender-based violence cases.

Drug Abuse Treatment: Government transfers over 50 drug addicts to Daru Rehabilitation Centre in Kailahun for counselling and reintegration support, as families increasingly seek help. Medical Supply Integrity: National Medical Supplies Agency MD Jatu Josephine Abdulai warns staff against drug pilferage, citing health risks to millions and announcing CCTV coverage and zero-tolerance accountability. Health Workforce Planning: Ministry of Health inaugurates a National Ministerial Performance and Training Governance Committee to reduce duplication, improve coordination, and better link training to real workforce gaps. Pharmaceutical Regulation: Egypt’s Drug Authority signs an MoU with Sierra Leone’s Pharmacy Board to strengthen drug regulation, technical exchange, and capacity building. Maternal Health Preparedness: National Public Health Agency validates Viral Hemorrhagic Fever case management guidelines to improve prevention, detection, and response during outbreaks. Public Health & Climate Risk: SLAPWA urges inclusive climate adaptation for people with albinism, calling for sunscreen access and stronger UV protection in public health plans. SGBV Support Training: Family Support Unit personnel complete training on survivor-centred case management and psychosocial approaches to strengthen SGBV responses in the Western Area. Travel Health Compliance: UK Foreign Office updates guidance for travellers, saying anyone entering or leaving Sierra Leone must complete the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal and keep the QR code for screening.