Sierra Leone News

As of 24 August, 2012, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation in Sierra Leone has reported a total of 12,819 cholera cases with 224 deaths since January 2012, affecting 10 of the 13 districts in the country. The overall case fatality rate is 1.7% but has reached 14.6 % in Moyamba district. The majority of the cases, 48% have been reported from Western area where the capital city, Freetown is located. The highest number of new cases for the day were 190 and 40 reported in Western Area and Bombali respectively. None of the districts reported any deaths.

The number of cholera cases in Sierra Leone has increased to 12,456 with 224 deaths as of August 22. The case fatality rate remains at 1,8%. Western Area reported the highest number of cases 198 and 2 deaths.

Cholera situation in Sierra Leone - 23August 2012

For More Information contact:

World Health Organization, 21 A and B Riverside Drive, off King Harman Road, Freetown

In Sierra Leone, the situation with the current cholera outbreak remained critical. As of August 16, 2012, 10,905 cases with 184 deaths with a Case Fatality Rate of 1.7 was reported by the Directorate of Disease Prevention and Control of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation. While data collection and verification have improved particularly in Western Area, there is need to heighten vigilance in those districts not yet affected by cholera for early detection and prompt action.

President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Dr Ernest Bai Koroma has declared a national “humanitarian emergency” over the cholera outbreak that has resulted in 10, 734 reported cases and 181 deaths in 8 of the 13 affected districts by August 15, 2012.

Cholera situation in Sierra Leone - 16 August 2012

President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Dr Ernest Bai Koroma has declared a national “humanitarian emergency” over the cholera outbreak that has resulted in 10, 734 reported cases and 181 deaths in 8 of the 13 affected districts by August 15, 2012.

Cholera situation in Sierra Leone - 15 August 2012

As of 13 August 2012, 9,910 cholera cases, with 171 deaths have been reported by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) since January 2012. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) has remained at 1.7%. The numbers of cases & deaths reported continue to rise with formerly low reporting districts (Tonkolili and Port Loko) recording higher numbers of cases and deaths.

Cholera situation in Sierra Leone - 14 August 2012

New cholera cases and deaths due to the ongoing outbreak, continue to be reported in 8 of 13 districts in Sierra Leone. By August 11, 2012, a total of 9,234 cholera cases and 160 deaths have been reported by the Directorate of Disease Prevention and Control (DPC) in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation. The Case Fatality Rate is 1.7% and the Attack Rate is 0.26%.

Cholera situation in Sierra Leone - 10 August 2012

Articles in this edition include: 

1. Review of Early Infant Diagnosis of HIV in Sierra Leone
2. Sierra Leone and Liberia Undertook Joint Training on WHO OneHealth Tool 
3. Acute Malnutrition Situation in Children 1st Quarter 2012

WHO Sierra Leone Newsletter May June 2012

ierra Leone launched commemoration of World Breastfeeding Week 2012 on 1 August 2012 on the theme “Understanding the past - planning the future”. Every year World Breastfeeding Week is commemorated to promote and support early initiation (immediately after delivery) and exclusive breastfeeding of children 0-6 months as well as continued breast feeding until two years and beyond. The event was launched by the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Alhassan Seisay.

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) conducted policy dialogue on the first National Human Resources for Health (HRH) Policy and Strategic Plan (2012-2016) at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown on 17 July 2012.
The event was opened by the Hon. Minister of health and Sanitation, Mrs Zainab Bangura. The participants included representatives of health partners, officials of line ministries and top civil servants.