Yusuff Moseray Suma-Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has increased its preparedness for a possible Ebola Virus Disease outbreak to 83 per cent, up from 51 per cent recorded in May 2026.
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Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), Professor Foday Sahr, disclosed this at a one-day media dialogue on Ebola preparedness held at the agency’s headquarters on Wilkinson Road in Freetown.
The dialogue was organised by the NPHA and the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Independent Media Commission (IMC) to strengthen media participation in public health emergency preparedness and response.
Professor Sahr explained that although Sierra Leone has no confirmed case of Ebola, the country remains vulnerable because of cross-border movements and the risk of imported infections.
He identified regular handwashing, screening of passengers at all entry points and the activation of an online health portal for travellers arriving at and departing from the country’s airport as some of the preventive measures being implemented.
Professor Sahr urged journalists to provide accurate and timely health information to the public to promote awareness and prevent the spread of misinformation.
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The Deputy Minister of Health II, Dr Jelikatu Mustapha, said the ministry was working actively with relevant institutions to prevent the importation of Ebola into Sierra Leone and protect the health and well-being of citizens.
She called on the public to remain calm, assuring them that the country had put in place measures to strengthen its preparedness and response capacity.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Independent Media Commission, Khalil Kallon, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting the NPHA in strengthening health communication and building a resilient health system.
Mr Kallon also highlighted the critical role of journalists in dispelling rumours, combating misinformation and promoting preventive health practices during public health emergencies.
He urged media practitioners to adhere to ethical reporting standards and established guidelines when covering disease outbreaks and other health emergencies.
Journalists and development partners who participated in the dialogue commended the NPHA, the Ministry of Health and the Independent Media Commission for organising the engagement.
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They pledged to collaborate with health authorities to ensure responsible, factual and timely reporting on Ebola preparedness.
The dialogue ended with a call for sustained collaboration between health institutions and the media to protect public health and prevent a possible Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone.