By: Saidu Jalloh
The Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), Brig. Prof. Foday Sahr, has assured the public that Sierra Leone has not recorded any confirmed or suspected cases of Ebola, despite concerns linked to reported outbreaks in parts of Central Africa.
Speaking at the Government Weekly Press Conference held on Tuesday, 26th May 2026, at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown, Prof. Sahr stated that the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Sierra Leone as a low-risk country.
He added that, despite this classification, the government has already activated nationwide preparedness measures to strengthen the country’s response capacity against any potential public health threat.
According to Prof. Sahr, Sierra Leone is currently operating at Level Two preparedness, with surveillance and emergency response systems fully activated across the country. He further revealed that ambulance services have been deployed at the Lungi International Airport to isolate and transport any suspected cases to the designated isolation facility at Lungi Government Hospital.
He explained that screening and surveillance systems have been intensified at all official entry points, including air, land, and sea borders, to reduce the risk of disease importation.
Prof. Sahr urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant, emphasizing that the country’s health sector is fully prepared to respond to any emergency. He encouraged members of the public to promptly report any suspicious symptoms or illnesses through the national emergency toll-free line, 117.
He also advised citizens to continue observing preventive measures and to avoid unnecessary physical contact, noting that community vigilance remains essential in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Meanwhile, the Manager of the Public Health Laboratory at the NPHA, Doris E. F. Harding, assured the public that Sierra Leone’s laboratory systems remain fully functional and capable of diagnosing epidemic-prone diseases across the country.
She disclosed that operational laboratories are currently located in Kenema, Makeni, and Freetown, all equipped with the necessary tools and trained personnel to detect infectious diseases.
Madam Harding further noted that although the Ebola strain reported in Congo is a new variant without a vaccine, Sierra Leone’s laboratory infrastructure has the technical capacity to identify and respond effectively to such threats.
She added that the government, in collaboration with development partners, continues to strengthen laboratory services and enhance the country’s overall public health response system.
Health authorities reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and maintaining strong preparedness and surveillance mechanisms nationwide.