Freetown — Sierra Leone’s health sector is set to receive critical support as a delegation from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is expected to arrive in the country in the coming days. The visit comes at a time when local health systems, particularly in remote districts like Koinadugu, are struggling to respond to public health threats due to limited resources and infrastructure.
In Koinadugu, one of the most underserved regions in Sierra Leone, health workers are battling a recent disease outbreak with minimal supplies and personnel. According to local reports, clinics in the area are overwhelmed, lacking essential medicines and medical equipment. The arrival of the Africa CDC team is expected to bolster the government’s response capacity and enhance disease surveillance, particularly in rural communities.
Meanwhile, Sierra Leone continues its partnership with the GAVI Alliance, which is supporting nationwide efforts to improve vaccine coverage. The initiative targets under-immunized children and hard-to-reach communities, aiming to reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases and strengthen immunization systems.
Health experts are also raising awareness about the link between antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and adolescent reproductive healthcare. Poor access to quality reproductive health services and the misuse of antibiotics in treating sexually transmitted infections are contributing to rising AMR cases among young people. Public health advocates are urging for integrated strategies that address both reproductive health education and responsible antibiotic use.
With the anticipated support from Africa CDC and ongoing partnerships with global health actors, Sierra Leone is cautiously optimistic about strengthening its health system and addressing both immediate and long-term public health challenges.
By Hawa Rogers
