Sierra Leone News

Heads of agencies of the United Nations in Sierra Leone visited Kenema and Kailahun Districts on 30 June and 1 July respectively. The team was led by the UN Resident Coordinator, David McLachlan-Karr. The objective of the visit was to identify gaps in the Ebola response and assess resource needs. Outcome of the visit will guide the UN agencies in their resource mobilisation for a coordinated UN intervention in supporting the government and partners to curb outbreak of the Ebola Hemorrhagic Disease in Sierra Leone.

30 June 2014, Freetown -- On 30 June 2014 four patients were discharged from the Ebola treatments centres bringing the number of discharged patients to 23.

The first to be discharged from the Ebola treatment centre is Victoria Yillia a 19 year old lady from Koindu Town in the Kailahun district. Quoting from her statement she said “I felt like I am in heaven when I was discharged”. She is now living in nearby Kenema district with her husband and mother in law.

Freetown, 30 June 2014 -- Kailahun district is the most affected district according to data from the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS). 81.4% of the 199 confirmed cases are from Kailahun District as of 29th June 2014.

A District Taskforce for Ebola response is headed by the Kailahun District Council Chairperson Mr Alex Bhonapha who is assisted by the District Medical Officer James Squire. The taskforce meets daily to coordinate Ebola prevention and control strategies. 

The Minister of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), Ms Miatta Kargbo conducted field visits to Kenema and Kailahun Districts on 28 June to assess the Ebola outbreak response activities in the districts. The Minister undertook the visit together with the WHO Representative in Sierra Leone, Dr Jacob Mufunda, and senior officials of MoHS including the Chief Medical Officer and a team of Directors and Managers from the Ministry. The media and civil society also formed part of the team.

Freetown 6th June 2014 - The Minister of Health and Sanitation launched another Maternal Child Health Week (MCHW) on the 5th of June 2014 at the Bo Stadium. Speaking at the launch Madam Miata Kargbo said that the week is an opportunity to improve health she encouraged all household to fully participate and thanked partners for their contribution. Furthermore she alerted the audience about the current Ebola outbreak and admonished all to play active role in preventing and controlling the outbreak.

FREETOWN –1st May 2014 - The Minister of Health and Sanitation Madam Miata Kargbo launched the Sierra Leone Malaria Indicator Survey 2013 during World Malaria Day 2014 held at the Saint Anthony’s hall in Freetown. The Minister applauded the progress made in malaria control noting that “we have a reason to celebrate our achievements” She commended the efforts of Ministry of Health Staff and partners for their contribution but pointed out that the country has to do more to reach its goal.

Freetown 30 April 2014 - The Ministry of Health and Sanitation with support from Metabiota and WHO has trained 250 health workers on Ebola Virus Disease in Kenema, Kailahun, Kono, Pujehun and Western Area. The objective of the training was to provide updated information about Ebola Virus Disease focusing mainly on prevention. In that regard, emphasis was put on case detection, early reporting, sample collection and transportation, personal protection for health workers and communication.

Freetown 8 April 2014 - WHO Country Office in Sierra Leone donated various personal protective equipment (PPE) in response to the Ebola outbreak in neighboring Guinea and Liberia. This second of at least 4 more consignments included more than 2,000 PPE suits, respirators, gloves, face shields, face masks, gowns , body bags and bio hazard plastic bags.

The Minister of Health and Sanitation Madam Miata Kargbo has briefed partners about the Ebola Situation in Sierra Leo- ne and the preparations for any outbreak. She explained about national task force and technical commitees on coor- dination, case management, communications, laboratory and surveillance.

During the briefing meeting the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Brima Kargbo explained that Sierra Leone does not have any suspected or confirm case of Ebola. Further- more he briefed about the stepping up of surveillance and efforts to calm the public.

Cervical cancer is common in women and is responsible for an estimated 530,000 cases and 275,000 deaths yearly globally. The incidence in Sierra Leone is estimated at 670 cases and 466 deaths annually. A comprehensive approach to cervical cancer control includes, immunization of girls ages 9-13 years, screening for precancerous lesions in women and treatment, as well as palliative care for women diagnosed with full blown cervical cancer disease.