Sierra Leone News

Background

The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is the first international health treaty negotiated under the auspices of the WHO and was adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 2003. It has since become one of the most widely and rapidly embraced treaties in the history of the United Nations, with 176 Parties to date.

The Republic of Sierra Leone ratified the WHO FCTC on 22 May 2009 as the 165th country to do so. The Convention entered into force for Sierra Leone on 20 August 2009.

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.

Sierra Leone introduced the implementation of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy in 2004 and since then districts are reporting on a weekly basis. However, data collected does not capture information from hospitals.

Background

Micronutrient deficiencies are a common public health challenge affecting all age groups in developing countries. It may lead to adverse health consequences as well as infant and maternal mortality.

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation launched the Cholera Multi-Year Multi-Sectoral Plan and other three surveillance documents (National Sierra Leone National Disease Surveillance and Response Strategic Plan 2012 – 2017, Rapid Response Teams Operational Guidelines and Post Epidemic Evaluation (The 2012 Cholera Outbreak) on 27 February 2014 at the Presidential Lounge of the National Stadium.

Preliminary report of Sierra Leone’s 2013 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) was launched on 28 January 2014 by Dr Keifala Mara, Minister of Finance and Economic Development in Freetown. The report was launched in a gathering of a cross section of the public and government officials, development partner including the UN, the donor community, civil society and other strategic partners.

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) in collaboration with WHO and other partners held a one day meeting on 24 January to disseminate the National Standards for Adolescent and Young People Friendly Health Services. The standard was developed by the Directorate of Reproductive and Child Health with technical and financial assistance from WHO. The Stand-ards elaborates the key elements of quality services that are essential and that should be available, accessible and affordable to adolescents and young people in health service delivery points in the country.

Sierra Leone commemorated World AIDS 2013 Day (WAD) on 1 December 2013 on the theme No retreat on HIV. Deliver the promise. The event is one of the biggest health days that is commemorated every year in Sierra Leone and other countries to increase awareness and improve the fight against the HIV/AIDS. Every year the commemoration brings together local and international partners including the UN, the private sector and civil society.

Sierra Leone launched its first National Road Safety Policy, Strategic Plan and Trust Fund on 23 November 2013 in Freetown. The documents and the Trust Fund were launched by the Minister of Information and Communications Mr Alpha Kanu, on behalf of the President of the Republic. Delivering the statement of the President, Mr Kanu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the full implementation of the Decade of Action for Road Safety and assured to “give serious consideration to proposals that will enhance the implementation of the National Strategy to achieve the desired goals”.

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) launched Sierra Leone’s national Policy and a five year Strategic Plan (2013-2017) on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) on 6 September 2013. The documents were launched by the Minister of Health and Sanitation Madam Miatta Kargbo during a symposium on the prevalence and burden of NCDs in the country. In addition a health fair was held to raise public awareness on the major risk factors of NCDs.