On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and Statistics Sierra Leone, officially launched the Sierra Leone Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (SiLPHIA) at the ministry's headquarters in the Youyi Building, Freetown. This landmark initiative represents a decisive step in strengthening Sierra Leone’s HIV/AIDS response by generating rigorous, evidence-based data to guide national strategies and interventions.
The launch was attended by the Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, who delivered the keynote address; Dr. Sartie Kenneth, the chief medical officer; and Mr. Ibrahim Sorie, senior secretary of health, who moderated the program. Importantly, Prof. Dr. Foday Sahr, executive director of NPHA, serves as the principal investigator for the SiLPHIA program, underscoring NPHA’s central role from contextualization to enrollment.
In his keynote, Dr. Demby reaffirmed the government’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking. He emphasized that SiLPHIA data will be used to target key populations, improve access to prevention and treatment services, and reduce stigma. He called for continued support from international partners and reiterated Sierra Leone’s ambition to go beyond the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, aiming for 98-98-98, reflecting the nation’s determination to achieve epidemic control. He described SiLPHIA as a turning point in Sierra Leone’s public health journey, one that will empower communities, strengthen accountability, and accelerate progress toward ending HIV as a public health threat.
Statements from partners reinforced this vision. Dr. Monique A. Foster, US CDC Country Director in Sierra Leone, recognized the leadership of the Minister of Health and Prof. Foday Sahr. She described SiLPHIA as a milestone achievement, noting that trained national teams are already deployed across 127 areas in the Western Area, conducting household visits, offering HIV testing and counseling, and collecting critical data. She emphasized that population-based HIV impact assessments globally have transformed national HIV programs, providing evidence to identify gaps and accelerate epidemic control. She connected SiLPHIA to the minister's Four A’s framework: Alignment, Accountability, Acceleration, and Accompaniment, showing how the program embodies these principles.
Dr. Eric Ikoona of ICAP at Columbia University highlighted ICAP’s role in providing technical expertise, training, and monitoring to ensure the survey meets global standards. He emphasized ICAP’s commitment to capacity building, strengthening national teams, and ensuring that data collected is actionable for policy and program design.
Following the keynote, the floor was opened for questions and answers. One question that stood out concerned confidentiality. Dr. Demby responded firmly, assuring participants that confidentiality is paramount in SiLPHIA. He explained that the survey is designed to protect the privacy of individuals and that data will be handled with the highest ethical standards. He stressed that stigmatization and discrimination are the negatives. Sierra Leone does not want, and that the purpose of SiLPHIA is to empower, not expose. Protecting confidentiality, he noted, is essential to building trust, encouraging participation, and ensuring that the data collected truly serves the people.
The launch of SiLPHIA at the Youyi Building marks a historic moment in Sierra Leone’s HIV/AIDS response. By harnessing data-driven insights, the nation is better positioned to combat HIV/AIDS with precision, reduce stigma, empower survivors, and strengthen evidence-based policymaking.
NHA underscores that SiLPHIA is more than a program. It is a national commitment to evidence, equity, and empowerment. By uniting government, partners, and communities, Sierra Leone is charting a path toward epidemic control and healthier futures. NPHA calls on all stakeholders, health professionals, civil society, and the media to amplify this mission, strengthen trust, and celebrate the resilience of our people. In the spirit of the minister's four A’s—alignment, accountability, acceleration, and accompaniment—SiLPHIA stands as a beacon of collective resolve, reminding us that when evidence guides action and communities are empowered, Sierra Leone can achieve not only epidemic control but also a healthier, more inclusive future for generations to come.
Public Relations Unit
NPHA-SL