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Public Health Laboratories



Sierra Leone's public health laboratories are pivotal in safeguarding public health and contributing to the well-being of the country's population. They are a critical component of the nation's healthcare infrastructure, particularly in the context of emerging infectious diseases and endemic health challenges. The country has nine laboratories across all regions with the capacity to perform molecular testing for Viral Hemorrhagic fevers these include Marburg, Ebola Virus Disease, Lassa Fever, yellow fever, Dengue, Chikungunya and other infectious diseases like anthrax, Monkeypox, measles/Rubella, TB, and HIV (EID/VL). The laboratories include; the Central Public Health Reference Laboratories (CPHRL), CPHRL, 34 Military Molecular Lab, Jui Molecular Lab, Makeni Regional Molecular Lab, Bo Regional Molecular Lab, Kenema Regional Molecular Lab, Port Loko Regional Molecular Lab, Teko Animal Reference Lab and, Biosecurity   and Biocontainment Lab (Biobank facility).


The objectives of Sierra Leone's public health laboratories include:

1. Disease Surveillance: These laboratories are at the forefront of disease surveillance efforts, constantly monitoring and tracking outbreaks and epidemics. This helps the government take timely measures to control and prevent the spread of diseases.

2. Diagnostic Services: Public health laboratories offer diagnostic services, which are essential for confirming cases of diseases and guiding treatment decisions. They are equipped to test for a wide range of illnesses, including malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis.

3. Research and Monitoring: They also contribute to medical research by providing data and samples for studies on prevalent health issues in Sierra Leone. This research helps in understanding disease trends and improving healthcare interventions.

4. Capacity Building: Efforts are made to enhance the capacity of laboratory personnel through training and the provision of modern equipment and technology to ensure accurate and reliable results.

5. International Support and Collaborations: International organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and NGOs, often collaborate with Sierra Leone's public health laboratories to improve their infrastructure and capabilities, particularly in response to outbreaks.