Falaba District, Sierra Leone — The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided crucial technical and financial support to investigate a concerning increase in watery diarrhea cases in Falaba District. The support comes in response to a social media alert received on 20 March 2024, signaling a rise in diarrhea episodes in the district.

The outbreak, which had already resulted in 14 cases and two deaths at the Yiraiah Community Health Post between 15 March and 24 March, disproportionately affected children under five years old. Watery diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration and other complications, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Immediate action is necessary to address this outbreak and prevent further cases.

In collaboration with the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and the Ministry of Health (MoH), WHO supported the National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) to conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify the source and extent of the outbreak. This included collecting and transporting samples from the community to the Central Public Health Reference Laboratory for testing and analysis.

WHO's involvement has been pivotal in guiding the investigation and ensuring efficient resource allocation for sample collection and transportation. Accurate diagnosis and swift response are critical to mitigating the outbreak.

Alongside WHO's support, the MoH and the NPHA provided emergency medications and supplies to the affected communities and facilities, facilitating targeted interventions such as public health education, improved access to clean water and sanitation, and medical treatment for affected individuals.

For sustained progress, continued collaboration between local health authorities, community leaders, and international organizations is essential. Such partnerships will strengthen public health infrastructure and establish sustainable solutions to prevent future outbreaks.

The WHO remains dedicated to promoting the health and safety of the people in Falaba District and the entire country and calls on all stakeholders to join efforts in tackling this urgent public health challenge.