By Eva Ahmed
HIV is responsible for about one in five adult deaths in Sierra Leone, with most cases going undiagnosed and untreated, according to new findings presented by a global health surveillance programme.
Data from the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) programme showed that 21% of adult deaths in the country were linked to HIV, highlighting what health officials described as a largely hidden crisis.
The findings were presented at the programme’s 10th advisory committee meeting in Makeni, where experts warned that a majority of those affected were unaware of their HIV status.
About 65% of people who died from HIV-related causes had not been diagnosed, while 70% of those who knew their status were not receiving treatment, the report said.
Deputy Health Minister Charles Senessie said the data underscored urgent gaps in testing, treatment and overall health system response.
“The findings generated by CHAMPS must inform policies, strengthen clinical guidelines, improve service delivery, and guide investments in our health system,” Senessie said.
Sierra Leone, like many countries in West Africa, has made progress in expanding HIV services in recent years, but challenges remain in early diagnosis, access to antiretroviral therapy and public awareness.
Health experts say late detection continues to drive preventable deaths, with stigma and limited access to testing contributing to low diagnosis rates.
The CHAMPS programme, which operates in several African and Asian countries, uses detailed mortality surveillance to better understand causes of death and inform public health responses.
Officials at the meeting called for increased investment in testing, improved linkage to care and stronger community outreach to curb HIV-related mortality.
