The World Health Organization (WHO) has delivered a transformative donation of essential supplies and equipment to Sierra Leone, valued at over $450,000, aimed at strengthening the country’s public health infrastructure. The contribution, handed over to the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency during a ceremony in Freetown, is designed to enhance Sierra Leone’s capacity to detect, monitor, and respond to health threats, with a particular focus on disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and emergency preparedness. Senior officials from WHO and Sierra Leone’s health institutions hailed the initiative as a strategic investment in the nation’s health security.
As part of the donation, WHO, supported by the Fleming Fund, provided six computers to the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone to digitize antimicrobial importation data. This upgrade will enable real-time analysis and regulation of antimicrobial use, a critical step in combating the growing threat of resistance. Kadijatu Kamara, the AMR Focal Person for Human Health, emphasized that the new equipment will significantly improve data collection and dissemination at both laboratory and national levels, reinforcing the country’s AMR surveillance framework in line with global standards.
To further bolster disease monitoring, WHO procured 92 tablets through the Pandemic Fund to support the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system. These devices will empower health workers across the country to electronically collect and transmit data, allowing for faster detection of outbreaks and more timely public health interventions. The digital enhancement is expected to improve the accuracy and efficiency of surveillance efforts, ensuring that health authorities can respond swiftly to emerging threats.
In addition, WHO, backed by the Global Fund, supplied electronic equipment and office furniture to operationalize five regional Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) in Bo, Western Area Rural, Port Loko, Kenema, and Bombali. These centers will serve as coordination hubs for public health emergencies, enabling real-time decision-making and streamlined response efforts. WHO Country Representative Dr. George Ameh noted that the donation goes beyond physical tools, representing a commitment to building functional systems that support rapid and effective health interventions.
Deputy Minister of Health 1, Professor Charles Senessie, praised the donation’s impact, stating that it will significantly enhance Sierra Leone’s readiness to manage health emergencies and protect its population. The initiative reflects WHO’s ongoing dedication to supporting Sierra Leone’s health system and ensuring that frontline workers are equipped with the resources necessary to safeguard public health. As the country continues to strengthen its resilience against health threats, this donation marks a meaningful step toward a more robust and responsive healthcare infrastructure.