The World Health Organization (WHO) has donated 480 PCR test kits and approximately 500 extraction materials to the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) to strengthen Sierra Leone’s preparedness for potential outbreaks of Ebola and Marburg virus diseases.
The supplies were presented by WHO Country Representative Dr. George Ameh and are expected to enhance the country’s laboratory capacity to detect suspected cases and support a rapid response to potential outbreaks.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the NPHA and the Ministry of Health, NPHA Executive Director Prof. Brig-Gen. Dr. Foday Sahr expressed appreciation to WHO for its timely support, noting that the materials would complement existing national stocks and reinforce ongoing preparedness efforts.
Prof. Sahr disclosed that more than 300 test kits had already been prepositioned at hospitals across the country to facilitate early detection and ensure that health facilities could respond promptly to suspected cases.
He further revealed that Kenema Government Hospital had approximately 495 test kits, while about 560 reagents were available in stock to support laboratory testing and related diagnostic activities.
The additional supplies are expected to strengthen the country’s capacity to conduct timely laboratory investigations, improve early detection and support a coordinated response should cases of Ebola or Marburg virus disease be suspected.
Ebola and Marburg are serious viral diseases that can cause severe illness and require rapid identification, effective infection prevention and control measures, and a coordinated public health response to limit their spread.
The NPHA said the donation would further reinforce Sierra Leone’s national preparedness by strengthening laboratory resources and ensuring that essential diagnostic materials are available to support surveillance and outbreak response efforts.
The support also underscores the continued collaboration between WHO and Sierra Leone’s health authorities to strengthen the country’s capacity to detect, investigate and respond to public health threats.
