Health

The European Parliament has adopted a sweeping resolution on narco-trafficking in Europe’s waters, calling for stronger international cooperation to combat increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.

Sierra Leone plans to introduce a hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine in November, with the Ministry of Health targeting an estimated 355,363 newborns nationwide. The planned rollout is intended to strengthen efforts to prevent hepatitis B transmission from mothers to their babies and reduce the risk of chronic liver disease and liver cancer associated with infection. [...] The post Sierra Leone Plans Hepatitis B Birth-Dose Vaccine Rollout for November appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Port Loko District has gone 100 days without a reported maternal death, according to Health Minister Dr Austin Demby, as Sierra Leone intensifies efforts to prevent avoidable deaths among women and children. Demby announced the district’s milestone during an event highlighting new health commodities procured as part of the government’s 300 Days of Activism for [...] The post Health Ministry Highlights Port Loko’s 100 Days Without Maternal Death appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Opposition Leader in Parliament Abdul Kargbo has called on the Sierra Leone government to take diplomatic and legal action as the European Parliament prepares to consider measures linked to convicted Dutch drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers. Kargbo raised the concern in a Facebook post ahead of the European Parliament’s expected vote Thursday, Sept. 17, on proposals [...] The post Abdul Kargbo Urges Government Action Ahead of European Parliament Vote on Leijdekkers Case appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Miro Forestry Company says the medical cause of employee Sulaiman Bondoh Kamara’s death remains undetermined after his family declined an autopsy requested by the company. The company provided the explanation during a September 12, 2026, meeting in Freetown attended by representatives of Kamara’s family, officials from the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security and [...] The post Miro Forestry Responds to Claims Surrounding Employee’s Death appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Former drug users in Grafton have taken to the football pitch as part of a community initiative aimed at promoting recovery and discouraging Kush and tramadol abuse among young people. The participants featured in the Kush & Tramadol Community League 2026, where people affected by substance abuse competed in a symbolic football fixture designed to [...] The post Former Drug Users Embrace Football in Fight Against Addiction in Freetown appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Sierra Leone is facing renewed diplomatic pressure from the European Parliament over the case of Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, widely known as “Bolle Jos,” with lawmakers expected to vote on Thursday, September 17, 2026, on a resolution calling for stronger measures against countries that fail to cooperate in the pursuit of convicted drug traffickers. The [...] The post Sierra Leone Faces Fresh European Pressure Over ‘Bolle Jos’ Extradition Case appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Sierra Leone is strengthening its fight against hepatitis B by introducing the birth-dose vaccine to protect newborns from a dangerous viral infection that can cause chronic liver disease, liver cancer and premature death. For every mother holding her newborn for the first time, the immediate priority is to keep the child safe, healthy and alive. [...] The post One Dose at Birth, Lifelong Protection: Sierra Leone Steps Up Fight Against Hepatitis B first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health is preparing to introduce the Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine in November 2026, targeting an estimated 355,363 newborns across the country. The initiative marks an important step in the Government’s efforts to prevent Hepatitis B infection, particularly mother-to-child transmission, and protect children from chronic liver disease and liver cancer later [...] The post Health Ministry to Introduce Hepatitis B Birth-Dose Vaccine in November 2026 first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

Njala University’s School of Public Health has commenced a three-day research symposium for Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy candidates, aimed at strengthening postgraduate research and promoting academic excellence in public health. The symposium, which opened on 14 September 2026 at Njala University’s Bo Campus in Towama, is being held under the theme: [...] The post Njala University Opens Three-Day Research Symposium for MPhil and PhD Candidates first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

American investment in Sierra Leone’s health sector has delivered millions of essential medical supplies while strengthening the country’s capacity to manage health emergencies and contain public health threats. Since 2018, the United States-funded Global Health Supply Chain Program–Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM) has supported the delivery of 11.1 million malaria test kits and 5.7 [...] The post U.S.–Sierra Leone Partnership Boosts Fight Against Malaria, HIV and COVID-19 first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

By Ishmael Zay-Bangura Freetown, 16th September, 2026 –Port Loko District has recorded zero maternal deaths over the past 100 days, marking a breakthrough under the ongoing 300 Days of Activism campaign for Triple Zero deaths. Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby announced the milestone during the unveiling of US$2 million worth of medicines, hospital beds, and [...]

By Ibrahim Sorie Koroma Senior Health Promotion Officer Health Education Programme – Ministry of Health For a mother holding her newborn for the first time, the priority is to keep [...]

A military officer identified as Kamanda has died at the Pujehun Government Hospital following a serious road accident involving an RSLAF vehicle in Pujehun District. The vehicle, attached to the 14th Infantry Battalion and bearing registration number CO14 BAN 72SL57, overturned near the Pujehun Central Mosque, opposite the FOCUS1000 office. The incident occurred as security [...]

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health has welcomed a significant milestone in national healthcare delivery following the award of full five-year accreditation for postgraduate Radiology training to the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex (USLTHC). The accreditation, granted by the West African College of Physicians (WACP), covers both Specialist and Fellowship levels, enabling medical doctors [...] The post Sierra Leone Secures Five-Year Accreditation for Postgraduate Radiology Training appeared first on Sierraloaded.

First Lady Fatima Bio on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, presided over the launch of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Network in Sierra Leone at the Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown. The initiative brings together efforts aimed at strengthening early childhood development by aligning policies, resources, and community action around early learning, nutrition, healthcare, and responsive [...] The post First Lady Fatima Bio Launches Major Early Childhood Development Initiative appeared first on Sierraloaded.

By Ibrahim S. Bangura Makeni, Sierra Leone – September 2026: The National Public Health Agency (NPHA), in partnership with government institutions and international stakeholders, has completed a five‐day National Risk [...]

By Ibrahim Sorie Koroma,Senior Health Promotion Officer – HEP/MoH Freetown | September 14, 2026: Sierra Leone will introduce the Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine this November, a landmark step to protect [...]

Goderich, Freetown — September 14, 2026. For years, families in Goderich, Oba Funkia Community, knew the routine: a long wait, a single delivery bed, and often a rushed trip across town when their only Community Health Centre simply couldn’t keep up. On Monday, that routine ended. The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World [...]

Sierra Leone has formally signed a medical evacuation agreement with the Dominican Republic to support the impending deployment of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) to Haiti. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on Friday, September 11, 2026, by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, Amara Sowa. This agreement guarantees medical [...] The post Sierra Leone Signs Evacuation Agreement Ahead of Soldiers Deployment to Haiti appeared first on Sierraloaded.

A rehabilitated community health centre in Goderich has reopened following major upgrades aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare services in the western area of Freetown. The upgraded facility now provides expanded maternity capacity, including six delivery beds, replacing the previously limited single-bed arrangement, according to officials at the commissioning. Health authorities say the redevelopment [...] The post Newly Renovated Community Health Centre Opens in Goderich to Strengthen Maternal Care appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Miro Forestry Company has responded to allegations that it denied medical leave to a worker who later collapsed and died while on duty, saying its records show that the deceased had previously been granted sick leave and days off. The company made the clarification during a meeting with representatives of the family of Sulaiman Bondoh [...] The post Employee Collapses and Dies While Working at Miro Forestry Factory in Tonkolili, Company Responds appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Freetown – Sierra Leone has taken a major step toward deploying its forces to Haiti after signing a medical evacuation agreement with the Dominican Republic. The deal, inked on Friday in New York by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, Amara Sowa, sets out clear arrangements for the emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of [...]

At the heart of conversations among Sierra Leone’s youth, one phrase keeps surfacing: “My pull-out game is top notch.” It’s a boast, a cultural trend, but according to medical experts the least reliable contraceptive method in practice today.

A total of 637 Sierra Leonean nationals were employed in the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) as of June 2025, according to recently published data from the House of Commons Library. Sierraloaded understands that the figure places Sierra Leone among the top 102 nationalities represented in the NHS workforce, though it remains significantly lower [...] The post Over 600 Sierra Leoneans Among Top 102 Nationalities Working in UK Health Sector appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The Ministry of Social Welfare has discharged the second batch of 60 young people from its rehabilitation programme at Tekoh Barracks in Makeni, officially recognizing them as Ambassadors of Positive Change.

By Kelvin Jay A major security and protocol controversy is unfolding over the reported appearance of wanted Dutch drug fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, popularly known as “Bolle Jos,” at a Church service in Tihun on New Year’s Eve, where he was reportedly seen within close proximity to President Julius Maada Bio and members of the presidential ...

The United States Embassy in Sierra Leone has highlighted the impact of its investment in the country’s health sector through the U.S.-funded Global Health Supply Chain Program–Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM). According to the Embassy, the programme has, since 2018, supported the delivery of millions of essential health supplies to Sierra Leone, strengthening the country’s [...] The post US Reveals Impact of Over $22 Million Health Supply Programme in Sierra Leone appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The Ministry of Health, through the National Malaria Control Programme and its partners, will deploy 101,862 Spatial Emanators in selected communities in Bonthe and Tonkolili districts as part of efforts to strengthen household protection against malaria. The deployment, scheduled for October 6 to 20, 2026, will cover Sittia and Dema chiefdoms and Bonthe Municipality in [...] The post Sierra Leone Deploys 101,862 Spatial Emanators to Strengthen Malaria Prevention first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

The Ministry of Social Welfare has discharged a second batch of 60 former victims of drug and substance abuse from its rehabilitation programme at Tekoh Barracks in Makeni, with the beneficiaries recognised as Ambassadors of Positive Change. The discharge ceremony, held on Friday, September 11, 2026, marks another step in the Government’s efforts to address [...] The post 60 Former Drug Abuse Victims Discharged From Rehabilitation Programme in Makeni appeared first on Sierraloaded.

By Mohamed Massaquoi New York, September 11, 2026: Sierra Leone has signed a medical evacuation agreement with the Dominican Republic to support the deployment of the Republic of Sierra Leone [...]

A diplomatic row has erupted between Sierra Leone and the Netherlands after Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh accused Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel of “neo‐colonialism” in the ongoing dispute over the extradition of fugitive drugs lord Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers.

The Ministry of Social Welfare is advancing a series of programmes, policies and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening social protection, improving services for vulnerable groups and promoting greater inclusion across Sierra Leone. The progress was highlighted during a recent Delivery Clinic with Chief Minister Dr. Moinina David Sengeh, where Minister of Social Welfare Melrose Karminty [...] The post Welfare Ministry Advances Reforms to Strengthen Social Protection and Inclusion appeared first on Sierraloaded.

A Spanish medical team has arrived in Sierra Leone to carry out more than 200 free surgical operations at the Sierra Leone Police Hospital in Kingtom, Freetown. The 12th mission by the Surgeons in Action Foundation was welcomed on 11 September by Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu, who praised the group’s ongoing [...] The post Spanish Surgical Team to Offer Free Operations at Police Hospital appeared first on Sierraloaded.

In all of Sierra Leone, there’s only one Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor.

The Ministry of Health, through its Directorate of Environmental Health, has launched a comprehensive nationwide pest and disease control exercise targeting all public hospitals across Sierra Leone to eliminate preventable healthcare-associated infections and safeguard patients. The initiative forms a core part of the ongoing flagship healthcare campaign, the 300 Days of Activism, which aims to [...] The post Health Ministry Launches Nationwide Fumigation Exercise to Boost 300 Days of Activism Campaign appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Inspector General of Police (IGP), William Fayia Sellu, has welcomed the 12th batch of the Surgeons in Action Foundation to Sierra Leone, expressing profound appreciation for the Foundation’s continued medical interventions and partnership with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP). Welcoming the visiting team, IGP Sellu commended the Surgeons in Action [...]

Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu has commended the Surgeons in Action Foundation for providing free medical and surgical services to patients in Sierra Leone. IGP Sellu welcomed the Foundation’s 12th medical team to the country and praised its continued support to the Sierra Leone Police Hospital through specialised equipment, medical expertise and free [...] The post IGP Sellu Welcomes Surgeons in Action Foundation for Free Surgical Services appeared first on Sierraloaded.

By our news Desk Questions are mounting over how wanted Dutch drug fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, popularly known as “Bolle Jos,” was able to gain access to a church service in Tihun on New Year’s Eve and reportedly appear within President Julius Maada Bio’s delegation. The incident has triggered serious questions about presidential security, State House ...

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health has taken over the newly rehabilitated Maternity Unit and Patient Waiting Areas at the Tombo Community Health Centre (CHC), in a move aimed at strengthening maternal and child healthcare services in the community. The facility was handed over by the Solthis SHAPE Project as part of efforts to support national [...] The post Health Ministry Takes Over Rehabilitated Tombo Maternity Unit appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA) has strongly condemned the circulation and publication of graphic photographs depicting the body of late Dr. Adrian Hanciles following his death. Dr. Hanciles was reported missing on September 3, 2026. On September 9, after the SLMDA issued an official missing-person notice, photographs of his deceased body began [...] The post SLMDA Condemns Circulation of Graphic Images of Late Dr. Hanciles appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Credible reports indicate that Dr Adrian Hanciles, a Freetown-based medical doctor who had been missing since Thursday, September 3, 2026, has been found dead. Sources said police contacted his family after a public appeal seeking information about his whereabouts went viral on Wednesday evening. The family was reportedly informed that an unidentified body was [...] The post Missing Doctor Adrian Hanciles Found Dead After Viral Search Appeal first appeared on The Calabash Newspaper.

By Sallieu S. Kanu Sierra Leone — September 8, 2026: The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Health (MoH), has procured US$2.5 million worth of essential medicines and [...]

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, has convened a National Preparatory Consultation ahead of the Second Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, scheduled to take place in the Philippines. The consultation forms part of Sierra Leone’s broader efforts to strengthen national action, [...] The post Sierra Leone Builds Momentum Ahead of Global Child Protection Conference appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA) has strongly condemned the circulation of graphic images of Dr. Adrian Hanciles, following confirmation of his death after he went missing on September 3, 2026.

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health has engaged the newly appointed Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Saud Al-Musaed, in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and support for the country’s health sector. The engagement focused on exploring areas of collaboration that could contribute to improving healthcare delivery and advancing Sierra Leone’s health priorities. During [...] The post Health Minister, Saudi Ambassador Discuss Stronger Health Partnership appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Justice Komba Kamanda, has called on African judiciaries to strengthen the judicial interpretation and enforcement of women’s health and reproductive rights through gender-sensitive adjudication and effective access to justice. Chief Justice Kamanda made the call while delivering the keynote address at a Regional Judicial Colloquium organised by the Africa [...] The post Chief Justice Kamanda Pushes Stronger Judicial Protection for Women and Girls appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health is encouraging people experiencing mental health challenges to seek support as part of efforts to prevent suicide. The ministry’s Directorate of Mental Health and Non-Communicable Diseases is raising awareness about suicide prevention and directing members of the public to the country’s mental health support line. According to the awareness message, [...] The post Government Launches Toll-Free Line to Support Sierra Leoneans at Risk of Suicide appeared first on Sierraloaded.

Dutch Justice Minister David Van Weel has stepped up pressure on Sierra Leone over the extradition of wanted drug fugitive Jos Leijdekkers (Bolle Jos), saying the Netherlands will not relent until he is brought to justice. Speaking on AYV’s State of the Nation, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, Van Weel said information available to the [...] The post “We Will Not Rest” – Dutch Justice Minister Blows Hot, Claims Bolle Jos Is Still in Sierra Leone appeared first on Sierraloaded.

The lifeless body of Dr Adrian Hanciles, who had been reported missing since Thursday, September 3, 2026, has been found, according to a breaking news announcement. Dr Hanciles, a medical doctor, was last seen at approximately 8:30 a.m. near St Mary’s Supermarket at Hillcot Junction in Freetown. He was reportedly wearing a brown shirt and [...] The post Missing Medical Doctor Adrian Hanciles Found Dead After Disappearance in Freetown appeared first on Sierraloaded.