WHO donation strengthens Sierra Leone’s health system with essential supplies and equipment

Freetown, 1 October 2025 - Health workers across Sierra Leone will now be better equipped to detect, monitor, and respond to health threats thanks to a major donation from the World Health Organization (WHO). Supplies and equipment worth USD 456,483.20 were handed over to the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) to strengthen disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance tracking, and emergency preparedness.

At a ceremony in Freetown, WHO Country Representative Dr. George Ameh officially presented the items to the Deputy Minister of Health 1 and the Executive Director of the NPHA, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry, NPHA, and WHO.

With support from the Fleming Fund, WHO provided six computers to the Pharmacy Board. These will support digitization of antimicrobial importation data and enable real-time analysis in line with WHO's global guidance on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance. The system will help track and regulate antimicrobial use, addressing the growing threat of resistance.

"These equipment will enhance AMR data collection and dissemination at the Fleming Fund-supported laboratories and also at the national level," said Kadijatu Kamara, AMR Focal Person for Human Health. "We are grateful to WHO and the donor for their continued support to the Ministry and the AMR programme."

Through the Pandemic Fund, WHO procured 92 minicomputers (tablets) to strengthen the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system. The tablets will allow health workers across the country to collect and transmit data electronically, ensuring potential outbreaks and events are detected faster and public health responses are not delayed.

With support from the Global Fund, WHO delivered electronic equipment and office furniture to operationalize five regional Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) in Bo, Western Area Rural, Port Loko, Kenema, and Bombali. This will enhance their capacity as coordination hubs for delivering public health interventions iin preparedness and response to emergencies.

Dr. George Ameh emphasized that the support is more than a donation of tools:

"This is a major step toward ensuring functional operations of regional EOCs, which are critical hubs for coordinating timely responses to health emergencies. By digitizing systems, strengthening electronic reporting, and equipping regional structures, this support will boost real-time disease monitoring, improve decision-making, and ensure faster response to outbreaks."

Deputy Minister of Health 1, Prof. Charles Senessie, noted that the supplies and equipment will have far-reaching impact:

"This contribution is vital for our preparedness and response capacity. With these tools, we can detect, analyze, and respond to health threats more effectively, safeguarding the health of our people."

Echoing the need for decentralization, Prof. Foday Sahr, Executive Director of NPHA, added:

"Empowering regional EOCs with the right tools ensures they remain functional, reliable, and responsive. This decentralization is crucial to strengthening the country's health security system and ensuring no region is left behind."

Building resilience for the future

By strengthening AMR surveillance, enhancing electronic reporting, and ensuring regional centres are fully functional, the donation will significantly improve Sierra Leone's capacity to respond to health threats. It reflects WHO's commitment, together with the Fleming Fund, the Pandemic Fund, and the Global Fund, to supporting the country's journey toward a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable health system.