On January 20th, 2026, the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) of Sierra Leone convened a landmark gathering to commemorate the close-out of the Shortening Outbreak Notification and Response (SONAR) Project and to launch the Global Fund COVID-19 Early Warning Surveillance Component. Held at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Conference Room, the event brought together public health leaders, government ministries, and technical partners in a shared reflection on innovation, resilience, and institutional legacy.
Opening Reflections and Partner Statements
The day began with prayers and welcome remarks from Dr. Aminata Koroma, setting a tone of gratitude and unity. This was followed by a series of powerful statements from key partners, each affirming their commitment to Sierra Leone’s health security journey.
The Global Fund representative opened the floor by commending the NPHA for its tireless efforts in strengthening surveillance systems nationwide. They highlighted how the Ministry of Health has effectively translated investments into tangible results on the ground and how the Taskforce for Global Health has strategically leveraged these investments to support implementation. “Though this is a close-out,” the representative noted, “it is not the end. We at the Global Fund recognize the ongoing need for robust surveillance, especially as COVID-19 monitoring becomes integrated into broader public health functions.” They concluded by applauding the NPHA’s dedication to transparency, data integrity, and community-level impact.
Dr. Malembe Sandrine Ebama, Director of the Taskforce for Global Health (TFGH-US), joined the SONAR Project Director in thanking the NPHA leadership for their achievements. She congratulated all present for their contributions to the COVID-19 project’s success and emphasized the importance of sustainability. “This investment has not only delivered results,” she said, “but has also laid the foundation for an oversight mechanism and a roadmap to institutionalize surveillance as a national priority.”
Representing the Integrated Public Health and Agriculture Unit (IPHAU), Madam Ann Marie, Grant Manager, began her remarks with warm pleasantries and appreciation for the collaborative spirit in the room. She emphasized how surveillance efforts in Sierra Leone have benefitted from global health investments, particularly through the SONAR Project. “Though the grant has come to an end,” she stated, “we are still urging more collaboration and continued work in the future.” She expressed joy at being present with so many partners, noting that “the presence of all of you here today is proof that this partnership has been a success.” She concluded by congratulating the Ministry of Health and the NPHA for their hard work and achievements over the years, and encouraged all stakeholders to carry this momentum forward.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFF) representative reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to a One Health approach. “We are working diligently to ensure that the animal health component is fully integrated into our national surveillance framework,” he stated. “We actively engage various line ministries to ensure a coordinated and inclusive response to zoonotic threats.”
Representing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the speaker conveyed greetings from the Minister and acknowledged the importance of environmental surveillance. “On behalf of the Ministry of Health and the EPA, we thank the NPHA for incorporating chemical event monitoring into the national strategy. This is a vital step toward safeguarding both human and environmental health.”
Technical Presentations and Knowledge Exchange
Following the partner statements, Dr. James Squire, Director of Surveillance and Epidemiology at the NPHA, delivered the keynote address and a comprehensive technical presentation. He focused on Outbreak Investigations and After Action Reviews (AARs), introducing the 7-1-7 framework, which is a global benchmark that aims for detection of public health threats within 7 days, notification within 1 day, and initiation of response within 7 days. Dr. Squire emphasized that this model is not just aspirational but achievable, especially when countries invest in real-time surveillance, rapid data analysis, and coordinated response mechanisms.
He highlighted how data quality and analysis have been central to the SONAR Project’s success, noting that none of this would have been possible without leveraging existing in-country partnerships. “Our progress is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together across sectors, across ministries, and across communities,” he said.
Dr. Squire also underscored a major outcome of the Technical Working Group (TWG): the successful deployment of an electronic Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) Tracker Program within DHIS2. This innovation enables real-time capture and analysis of unstructured public health, animal, and environmental threat signals, allowing for timely tracking and reporting of public health events. “The electronic EBS is not just a tool, it’s a transformative platform that integrates multiple sectors into a unified surveillance ecosystem,” he explained. “It empowers frontline workers and decision-makers alike with timely, actionable intelligence.”
He then outlined the key activities and achievements of the C-19 SONAR Project, including:
- Multiple cross-sectoral trainings conducted nationwide, beginning in 2024 with a multisectoral representatives training that brought together stakeholders from the health, animal, environmental, traditional, private sectors, and the 117 Call Center.
- Jurisdictional trainings on Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) in four districts, reaching:
- Kailahun: 83 health facility staff trained
- Kambia: 74
- Kenema: 141
- Western Area Urban (WAU): 112
- A National Training of Trainers (ToT) on EBS, involving 67 participants across 12 districts, to ensure sustainability and cascade of knowledge.
- A targeted training on eIDSR reporting from private health facilities, reaching 129 participants, to enhance data completeness and private sector engagement in national surveillance.
The afternoon sessions spotlighted Sierra Leone’s digital transformation in public health surveillance. Mohamed Bamoi Kamara and Michael Kamara conducted live demonstrations of the DHIS2-based EBS platform and the NPHA Data Hub, showcasing how technology is enabling faster detection, analysis, and response to public health threats.
A symbolic handover of EBS documentation marked the formal transition from project implementation to institutional stewardship. This act signified the integration of SONAR’s tools and methodologies into national systems, ensuring continuity, sustainability, and local accountability.
In the closing reflections, Dr. Joseph Sam Kanu reaffirmed that SONAR’s true legacy lies not only in its technical deliverables but in its enduring contribution to a culture of preparedness, transparency, and unity. He commended the dedication of all stakeholders and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum as Sierra Leone continues to strengthen its health security architecture.
As participants gathered for a group photo and shared a final meal, the atmosphere was one of quiet pride, mutual respect, and forward-looking resolve. The event served not only as a close-out but as a reaffirmation of Sierra Leone’s commitment to resilient, responsive, and people-centered public health systems.
©️ Public Relations Unit
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