By: Mohamed Sahr
In a significant move to strengthen the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Sierra Leone, the World Health Organization (WHO) donated medical equipment to the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, at the Emergency Operations Centre in Freetown.
During the symbolic handover, Dr. George Ameh, WHO Country Representative, emphasized that the Government of Sierra Leone, together with its partners, continues to strengthen the health system, particularly in combating Tuberculosis, HIV, and Malaria, with strong support from the Global Fund.
He added that the UK Government also supports Sierra Leone’s efforts to combat Antimicrobial Resistance.
Dr. Ameh outlined that the donation includes a range of emergency supplies, covering laboratory equipment and infection prevention and control (IPC) materials, aimed at limiting the spread of infections in hospitals and other clinical settings.
“The total value of the donation is $1.1 million, funded through the Global Fund and the UK Government via WHO, to support the Government of Sierra Leone,” Dr. Ameh said. “These materials are intended to strengthen our health security, laboratories, hospitals, and ensure the availability of emergency medicines for patients.”
He further highlighted that the donation is crucial for the country’s health sector, particularly in managing disease outbreaks and equipping laboratories with the necessary tools and reagents for accurate diagnosis and emergency response.
Prof. Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency, noted that NPHA’s focus is on outbreak preparedness. He explained that the supplies would enhance the agency’s capacity to respond effectively to health emergencies. Some of the materials are intended for the National Public Health Laboratory to support diagnostics, while others will benefit Connaught Hospital and Makeni Hospital.
Prof. Sahr also pointed out that resistance to commonly used antibiotics has become a growing concern in Sierra Leone, as it is worldwide. He added that Sierra Leone has taken a proactive role in combating antibiotic resistance through the country’s IPC measures, achieving a compliance rate slightly above 80%, with plans to improve further.
Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health, expressed gratitude to WHO, the Global Fund, and the UK Government for their support, which strengthens Sierra Leone’s healthcare system and enhances the nation’s capacity to tackle AMR and other health challenges.