NPHA Reviews National Ebola Preparedness, Calls for Urgent Action to Close Response Gaps
Freetown, Sierra Leone | 21 October 2026
The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) has reviewed Sierra Leone’s preparedness for a potential Ebola outbreak, calling for urgent action to address critical gaps in emergency coordination, hospital readiness, ambulance services, infection prevention and control, and safe and dignified burial arrangements.
The review comes at a critical time, as Ebola virus disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus has spread beyond the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with confirmed cases reported in Kenya and Nigeria. These developments underscore the urgent need for Sierra Leone to strengthen its preparedness, enhance surveillance and ensure that response systems are ready to detect and contain any potential case swiftly.
At the time of the preparedness meeting, no confirmed Ebola cases had been reported in Sierra Leone. However, participants emphasised that the absence of confirmed cases must not lead to complacency, stressing the importance of immediate action to strengthen national readiness.
Dr Square provided an update on the country’s preparedness and announced plans to activate the incident management structure through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). Discussions also focused on regional developments, potential exposure risks, contact tracing and the need for stronger coordination across relevant sectors.
Hospital preparedness emerged as a key priority. Dr Lakoh highlighted the need to assess infection prevention and control (IPC) standards, particularly at Port Loko Hospital, and ensure that health facilities are equipped to manage suspected cases of highly infectious diseases safely. Participants stressed the importance of ensuring that every hospital has an isolation bed ready for immediate use.
The readiness of ambulance services was also highlighted, with Dr Songor calling for effective emergency response arrangements and adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE). Particular attention was drawn to the protection of ambulance drivers and other personnel who may come into direct contact with suspected cases during patient transfers.
Participants further underscored the need to strengthen burial team preparedness and ensure that safe and dignified burial arrangements are in place. Concerns were raised about the existing Ebola burial site in Waterloo, with Dr Lakoh requesting consideration of an alternative site and further clarification on the status and suitability of the current facility.
The meeting also examined gaps between available emergency stocks and supplies provided through non-governmental organisations, highlighting the need for a clearer assessment of national requirements and available resources. Dr Sorie raised concerns about contact tracing applications and called for the question of mandatory quarantine to be submitted to Cabinet for consideration.
Community engagement was identified as an immediate priority. Participants called for early engagement with paramount chiefs, community leaders and other local stakeholders to strengthen awareness, cooperation and community readiness. The preparation of a one-page briefing for Cabinet was also proposed to support timely policy decisions and the mobilisation of resources required to close identified preparedness gaps.
The discussions reinforced the need for urgent, coordinated action involving health facilities, emergency response teams, local authorities and development partners. Key priorities include strengthening surveillance and contact tracing, ensuring adequate medical supplies and protective equipment, preparing trained response teams, reviewing isolation capacity and establishing clear protocols for the management of suspected cases.
With Ebola developments in the region serving as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness, Sierra Leone must remain vigilant and ensure that identified gaps are addressed without delay. Early detection, rapid response, effective coordination and strong community engagement remain essential to protecting lives and safeguarding national public health security.
NPHA urges all relevant stakeholders to treat Ebola preparedness as an immediate public health priority and to work collectively to ensure that Sierra Leone is ready to respond swiftly and effectively to any potential threat.
Public Relations Unit
National Public Health Agency (NPHA)
Sierra Leone