EXERCISE! EXERCISE! EXERCISE! EXERCISE! EXERCISE! EXERCISE! EXERCISE! EXERCISE!
On the 24th and 25th of September 2025, the Government of Sierra Leone, through the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and with support from the Task Force for Global Fund under the Strengthening Outbreak Notification and Response (SONAR) Project, conducted a two-day Surveillance Simulation Exercise (EBS SIMEX) in Kambia District.
This strategic exercise was designed to evaluate the functionality of the Early Warning Surveillance (EWS) System established through SONAR. It provided a dynamic platform to test the Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) component within the broader frameworks of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) and Case-Based Disease Surveillance (CBDS). Participants engaged in scenario-driven simulations aimed at assessing the system’s ability to detect, report, and respond to emerging public health threats.
The EBS SIMEX marks a critical milestone in Sierra Leone’s preparedness strategy. As global health risks continue to evolve, the ability to simulate and refine outbreak response mechanisms is essential. This exercise not only strengthened coordination among key stakeholders but also identified areas for improvement. Particularly in communication and decision-making, that will enhance the effectiveness of future public health interventions.
For the National Public Health Agency, this simulation reflects a deep commitment to proactive leadership. It reinforces NPHA’s role in building resilient systems that anticipate threats before they escalate. By investing in preparedness today, Sierra Leone is laying the foundation for faster, smarter, and more unified responses tomorrow.
The lessons from Kambia will inform national protocols, shape future trainings, and contribute to a stronger, more responsive public health infrastructure. The 2025 Surveillance Simulation Exercise is more than a technical evaluation. It is a promise of readiness, a demonstration of progress, and a testament to Sierra Leone’s resolve to protect its people.
Public Relations Unit NPHA-SL