Health

The Ministry of Finance has assured health stakeholders of its commitment to immediately pay Sierra Leone’s GAVI Co-Financing obligation to support the continued procurement of vaccines and essential cold chain equipment for the country’s immunization programme. Financial Secretary Mr. Mathew Dingie gave the assurance on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, during a high-level follow-up meeting held [...] The post Finance Ministry Assures Immediate Payment of GAVI Vaccine Funding appeared first on Sierraloaded.

KFAED Headquarters, Kuwait City – Acting Director-General of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), Mr. Rashaid A. Al-Bader, has reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting the proposed construction of a Cancer Centre (Diagnostic, Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine/Imaging) to improve specialised healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone. He made this disclosure during a meeting held with [...]

Sierra Leonean risk communication professional Patrick Lansana has been elected Vice President of the ECOWAS Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Network. He was elected at the just-concluded three-day regional capacity-building workshop on Risk Communication and Community Engagement, organised by the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC) in Abuja, Nigeria. The [...] The post Sierra Leonean Elected VP of ECOWAS Risk Communication Network first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The family of Kadija Bangura has made a public appeal for urgent financial and medical assistance as the young woman continues to battle a prolonged illness that has reportedly failed to respond to treatment. Kadija, who lives along Arabia College Road in Makeni, was visited on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, where she highlighted her deteriorating [...] The post Family Appeals for Lifesaving Support as Former Model Battles Prolonged Illness in Makeni appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Acting Director-General of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), Mr. Rashaid A. Al-Bader, has reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting the proposed construction of a Cancer Centre (Diagnostic, Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine/Imaging) to improve specialised healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed an indictment against Francis Lavai, a volunteer attached to the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) warehouse at Fawaz Compound, Ferry Junction, Freetown, over allegations of misappropriating public property.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby, has officially launched the 2026 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), describing quality data as a critical foundation for building a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive healthcare system. Speaking at the launch ceremony held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Dr Demby emphasised the importance of reliable health information [...] The post Health Minister Austin Demby Unveils 2026 Demographic and Health Survey to Improve Planning appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has indicted Francis Lavai, a volunteer attached to the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) warehouse at Fawaz Compound, Ferry Junction, Freetown. According to the ACC, Lavai has been charged with one count of Misappropriation of Public Property, contrary to Section 36(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 12 of 2008, as amended [...] The post ACC Indicts NMSA Volunteer Over Alleged Misappropriation of US$38,000 Ultrasound Machine appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has indicted Francis Lavai, a volunteer attached to the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) warehouses at Fawaz Compound, Ferry Junction, and Mansaray Step, Devil Hole, both in Freetown, for misappropriation of public property. Lavai faces one count of misappropriation of public property contrary to Section 36(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. [...]

Sierra Leone has embarked on one of its most significant national statistical exercises in recent years with the launch of the 2026 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), a nationwide initiative designed to generate critical data for health reforms and development planning.

By Sallieu S, Kanu Freetown, Sierra Leone – July 31, 2026: Sierra Leone has intensified its preparedness for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging health threats by conducting a [...]

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Health and the Directorate of Food and Nutrition, has renewed its commitment to protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding as a critical intervention for improving child survival, reducing malnutrition and strengthening national development. The commitment was reaffirmed during the commemoration of World Breastfeeding Week 2026, observed annually [...]

Sierra Leonean public health expert Patrick Hansil Lansana has been elected to a key regional position within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in recognition of his contributions to Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), Behavioural Intelligence, and Infodemic Management. The election highlights Lansana’s growing role in strengthening public health communication systems and [...] The post Sierra Leonean Public Health Expert Elected to Key ECOWAS Regional Position appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has strongly refuted social media reports alleging that a large cache of illicit drugs was intercepted aboard a Brussels Airlines aircraft at the Freetown International Airport (FNA) in Lungi. In a press release issued by the Authority, SLCAA described the reports as false, misleading and baseless, stating [...] The post SLCAA Dismisses Social Media Claims of Drug Interception at Freetown International Airport first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), through its Directorate of Clinical Laboratories, has taken a significant step towards strengthening Sierra Leone’s diagnostic capacity for acute febrile illness (AFI) by developing a national roadmap. The initiative aims to improve the timely and accurate diagnosis and management of febrile illnesses, strengthen disease surveillance, promote the appropriate [...] The post Health Ministry Unveils Roadmap to Transform Disease Detection in Sierra Leone appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) has delivered seven truckloads of essential medicines and medical supplies to the Tonkolili District Health Management Team (DHMT) as part of its quarterly distribution of Free Healthcare commodities to strengthen healthcare service delivery across Sierra Leone. During the handover, NMSA Director of Human Resources Robert Dixon said the distribution [...] The post LNMSA Rolls Out Massive Medicine Distribution to Strengthen Tonkolili Healthcare appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), University of Sierra Leone, has released the admission requirements for prospective students seeking enrolment into its Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing and Higher Diploma in Nursing programmes. According to the admission guidelines, entry into the BSc (Hons) in Nursing programme is available through multiple pathways, [...] The post COMAHS Announces Admission Criteria for BSc (Hons) and Higher Diploma in Nursing Programmes appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has strongly rejected social media reports claiming that a large quantity of illicit drugs was intercepted on a Brussels Airlines aircraft at Freetown International Airport (Lungi) on Thursday, 30 July 2026. In an official press release, the Authority described the circulating claims as “false and baseless.” It stated [...]

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has denied reports circulating on social media that authorities intercepted a large shipment of illicit drugs aboard a Brussels Airlines aircraft at Freetown International Airport. In a press statement, the Authority described the claims as “false, misleading and baseless,” stressing that no drugs were seized from any Brussels [...] The post SLCAA Dismisses Viral Drug Seizure Claims Involving Brussels Airlines Flight at Lungi Airport appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening tobacco control measures and protecting public health policies from tobacco industry interference during a high-level engagement held at the Africa Tobacco Interference Monitoring (ATIM) Training in Lagos, Nigeria, on 1 August 2026. The meeting brought together the Honourable Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mr. Mohamed [...] The post Sierra Leone Reaffirms Commitment to Tackling Tobacco Industry Interference appeared first on Sierraloaded.

A 41-year-old Sierra Leonean, Joseph Bockarie, has been arrested by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) at the Tienii Checkpoint in Grand Cape Mount County, Liberia. LDEA officers say they discovered 37 boxes of Tapentadol/Tramadol hidden inside a blue Mazda5 vehicle with Sierra Leone registration BAB-948. The seized drugs are valued at approximately LRD$925,000 (about [...]

Sierra Leone has strengthened its leadership role in regional public health communication, as Patrick Habsil Lansana was elected Vice President of the ECOWAS Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Network. He was elected alongside a new Executive that will steer the regional network’s efforts to strengthen collaboration on Risk Communication and Community Engagement across the [...] The post Sierra Leone’s Patrick Lansana Elected Vice President of ECOWAS RCCE Network appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) has intensified efforts to strengthen Sierra Leone’s preparedness for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging health threats through a nationwide Functional Simulation Exercise (FSX) conducted at key points of entry. The exercise, held at Freetown International Airport, Gendema, and the Gbalamuya Border Crossing Point, was spearheaded by NPHA [...] The post NPHA leads nationwide simulation to boost Sierra Leone’s Ebola preparedness appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Ministry of Health, in partnership with the U.S. Government have reached a major milestone in strengthening Sierra Leone’s health security with the launch of the Advanced Level of the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP). The initiative is designed to equip health professionals with advanced skills to detect, investigate, and control disease outbreaks. The two-year, in-country [...] The post U.S, Sierra Leone Launch Advanced Epidemiology Training Program appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Dutch drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, better known as “Bolle Jos,” has been sentenced in absentia to 14 years in prison by a Belgian court for his leading role in the major Costa cocaine case — the heaviest sentence handed down on Thursday. Prosecutors had sought 15 years. The ruling adds to a string of convictions [...]

The Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services, Ibrahim Foday-Musa, together with the Programme Manager for Child Health, Dr. Linda Farma Grant, on Thursday, July 30, held a strategic engagement with the Hospital Management Team and medical doctors at Makeni Regional Hospital as part of the Ministry of Health’s efforts to strengthen hospital leadership, improve service [...] The post Makeni Regional Hospital Gets Leadership Boost as Health Ministry Intensifies Service Delivery Drive appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), has launched the country’s first Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Programme (Advanced FETP) to strengthen national capacity in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, emergency response, and public health decision-making. The programme is designed for experienced public health professionals and represents [...] The post Government Launches First Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Programme appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Connaught Hospital has successfully performed the country’s first brain tumour surgery, a milestone in a years-long effort to bring specialised neurosurgical care to a nation that had no neurosurgeon until early 2025. Neurotrauma Surgeon Dr Allieu Kamara performed the procedure with Dr Ibrahim Jalloh, a UK-based Sierra Leonean neurosurgeon who has contributed to developing the [...] The post Connaught Hospital Surgeons Perform Sierra Leone’s First Brain Tumour Surgery appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has intensified efforts to establish a National Tourism Federation following a high-level consultative meeting with leaders of the tourism, hospitality and creative industries in Freetown. The meeting, held on July 28, 2026, at Dove’s Nest in Aberdeen, brought together government officials and private sector representatives to discuss the [...] The post Government Pushes Ahead with National Tourism Federation Formation to Strengthen Industry appeared first on Sierraloaded.

, July 30, 2026 The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has brought together leaders from Sierra Leone’s tourism, hospitality, and creative industries to accelerate sector growth, strengthen collaboration, and create more employment opportunities through the establishment of a unified National Tourism Federation. The high-level consultative meeting, held at Dove’s Nest in Aberdeen, Freetown, [...] The post Tourism stakeholders unite to drive sector growth first appeared on AYV Media Empire Sierra Leone, London, Ghana and Africa News Channel. The post Tourism stakeholders unite to drive...

The University of Sierra Leone (USL), comprising Fourah Bay College (FBC), the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), and the School of Postgraduate Studies, has announced the reopening of its online application portal for admissions into the 2026/2027 Academic Year. According to a notice issued [...] The post University of Sierra Leone Sets Date for 2026/2027 Online Admissions appeared first on Sierraloaded.

, July 29, 2026 The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security (MELSS) has engaged Managing Directors and Human Resource Managers of commercial banks in Sierra Leone on compliance with the country’s labour laws, with particular focus on workers’ entitlements, outsourcing, and occupational safety and health. The engagement, held in Freetown on Tuesday, brought [...] The post Labour Ministry engages Banks on Labour Law compliance first appeared on AYV Media Empire Sierra Leone, London, Ghana and Africa News Channel. The post Labour Ministry engages Banks on Labour Law compliance appea...

Minister of Health Dr Austin Demby has praised the health workers who served during the 69th ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit, describing them as “unsung heroes” whose dedication and professionalism contributed significantly to the successful hosting of the regional event in Freetown and Lungi. Speaking during a certificate presentation ceremony held on Monday, [...] The post Health Minister Austin Demby Certifies ECOWAS Summit Health Workers, Hails them as “Heroes” appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Sierra Leonean distance runner Mary Kamara has withdrawn from the women’s one-mile event at the Commonwealth Games after suffering a foot injury during her opening race of the competition. Kamara was scheduled to compete in the one-mile race on Wednesday but was forced to pull out after medical assessments confirmed that the injury had not [...] The post Mary Kamara Withdraws from Commonwealth Games One Mile Race After Sustaining Foot Injury appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security (MELSS) has engaged Managing Directors and Human Resource Leads of commercial banks on compliance with Sierra Leone’s labour laws, with particular emphasis on workers’ entitlements, outsourcing and occupational safety and health. The engagement, held in Freetown, brought together representatives of commercial banks, the Sierra Leone Labour Congress [...] The post Ministry of Employment Engage Commercial Banks on Labour Law Compliance appeared first on Sierraloaded.

By Fatima Kpaka FREETOWN – Cardiologist and Dean at Connaught Government Hospital, Professor Dr. James Russell, has instituted legal action against two businessmen over the alleged theft of a medical [...]

, July 28, 2026 Sierra Leone has taken another major step toward digitalizing its healthcare system with the official launch of Starlink High-Speed Internet Service at the Julius Maada Bio Pediatric Excellence Hospital in Lumley. The service was unveiled by the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, as part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize healthcare delivery through digital [...] The post Health Minister unveils Starlink Internet at JMB Pediatric Excellence Hospital first appeared on AYV Media Empire Sierra Leone, London, Ghana and Africa News Channel. The post Health Minis...

Hundreds of commercial sex workers in Bo have received financial support and benefited from free HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) screening services in an initiative aimed at improving healthcare access and promoting disease prevention. The programme was conducted today, Monday 27th July 2026, in Bo as part of efforts to support vulnerable groups [...] The post Hundreds of Commercial Sex Workers Receive Financial Aid and Health Screening appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby, has launched Starlink internet connectivity for 300 government health facilities across Sierra Leone. The launch was held at the Julius Maada Bio Paediatric Centre of Excellence in Lumley, Freetown. The initiative is aimed at improving internet access and supporting digital healthcare services in the country. The new internet [...] The post Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby Launches Starlink Internet for 300 Government Health Facilities appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Men across Port Loko are taking part in transformative conversations aimed at promoting gender equality and building healthier relationships between men and women through the ongoing MASIDAMA sessions under the Promotion of Women’s Employment and Resources (POWER) Project, funded by Irish Aid through Trocaire. Using the Male MASIDAMA Manual, participants engaged in a thought-provoking session [...] The post Port Loko Men Hold Transformative Gender Talks at MASIDAMA Sessions appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) has intensified its nationwide distribution efforts under the Free Healthcare Programme, delivering twelve truckloads of essential medicines and medical supplies to Kenema District in a move aimed at strengthening last-mile healthcare delivery. The intervention highlights NMSA’s growing role in ensuring that critical health commodities reach facilities on time, amid [...] The post NMSA Delivers 12 Truckloads of Essential Medical Supplies to Kenema appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The United States Embassy in Freetown has welcomed six new Peace Corps trainees to Sierra Leone, as they prepare to support education and maternal health programmes across rural communities in the country. In a statement, the US Embassy said the trainees will undergo 10 weeks of intensive training before beginning their service in schools and [...] The post US Embassy Welcomes Six New Peace Corps Trainees to Sierra Leone appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Mohamed S. Barrie, has held high-level talks with the Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), H.E. Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and accelerating the implementation of key development projects in Sierra Leone. The meeting, held on Sunday, 26th [...] The post US$50 Million Riyadh Referral Hospital Project Gains Momentum After High-Level Saudi Talks appeared first on Sierraloaded.

President Dr Julius Maada Bio has applauded the Ministry of Health for its exceptional leadership, professionalism, preparedness, and dedication in ensuring successful delivery of healthcare services during the recently concluded 69th ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit held in Freetown and Lungi. The President commended the Ministry’s comprehensive medical preparedness and seamless healthcare coordination, [...] The post President Bio Praises Health Ministry as Key Pillar Behind the Success of 69th ECOWAS Summit appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Freetown, July 25, 2026 (SLENA)-President Dr. Julius Maada Bio lauded Ministry of Health exceptional leadership, professionalism, preparedness, dedication ensuring successful healthcare delivery during recently concluded 69th ECOWAS Heads of State Government Summit hosted Freetown Lungi. He made this statement on the 25 July 2026 President commended Ministry comprehensive medical readiness seamless coordination, describing contribution key pillar behind successful hosting high-profile...

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has announced the commencement of recruitment for field staff to support the 2026 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey (SLDHS). The agency is inviting suitably qualified and experienced Sierra Leoneans to apply for positions as Field Interviewers and Biomarkers [...]

Sierra Leone nurses are gaining new skills in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) through a new training programme introduced by the 27th batch of the Chinese Medical Team in the country. The programme started at the Telemedicine Center of the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital in Freetown, with more than 40 nurses taking part in the first [...] The post Sierra Leone Nurses Receive New Training in Traditional Chinese Medicine appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), University of Sierra Leone, has released its official admission criteria for prospective students seeking entry into the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme. According to the guidelines, applicants may gain entry into the MBChB programme either through successful completion of the COMAHS premedical [...] The post COMAHS Outlines Admission Criteria for MBChB Programme appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats-SL) has announced the recruitment of qualified Sierra Leoneans to serve in various roles for the upcoming Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), inviting interested applicants to apply through its official vacancies portal. In a public notice, the national statistics agency said the recruitment forms part of preparations for the implementation of the [...] The post Stats-SL Opens Recruitment for Demographic and Health Survey appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), through its Crop Protection Unit under the Crops Division, has distributed essential working equipment to crop officers across Sierra Leone’s 15 districts as part of efforts to strengthen plant health awareness, pest management, and agricultural productivity. The items distributed include motorbikes, collapsible chairs, megaphones, and umbrellas, which [...] The post MAFS Equips Crop Officers Nationwide to Boost Plant Health Surveillance appeared first on Sierraloaded.