AGP Executive Report

Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health ran a three-day Ebola simulation (12–14 Aug) in Western Area Urban and Kenema to test early detection, district and national emergency operations, and coordination through IDSR/EBS systems. Maternal Health Accountability: Health and Sanitation Minister Dr Austin Demby urged healthcare workers to act on preventable maternal and child deaths during the weekly MaCDEM meeting, as the country pushes toward “Zero Preventable” targets. DRC Ebola Escalation: WHO says the DRC outbreak is spreading faster than any previous Ebola event, with 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths, and warns it could surpass the 2014–2016 West Africa toll. Vaccine Update: WHO recommends a Phase III trial of the Ebola vaccine Ervebo for Bundibugyo virus protection, after Phase I safety work and new animal findings. Health System Leadership: President Bio appointed Dr Mustapha Kabba as Chief Medical Officer, strengthening technical leadership in the Ministry of Health. Aid Pressure: UK aid cuts could sharply reduce support to Sierra Leone’s health sector, raising concerns for maternal and child care, immunisation, and disease-control programmes. Community Primary Care Win: Last Mile Health received the 2026 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize for expanding community-based primary healthcare, including in Sierra Leone. Workplace Health & Safety: Two workers reportedly died after a mudslide at the FB Group construction site in Lungi; survivors were taken for medical treatment.

Ebola Update (DRC): WHO says the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak is surging and could surpass the 2014–2016 West Africa epidemic, with 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths reported across five provinces—spreading faster than any previous outbreak. Maternal Health Warning: Sierra Leone’s Health Minister Dr Austin Demby urged healthcare workers to stop excuses and focus on preventing maternal and child deaths, as the country pushes toward “zero preventable” targets. Vaccine Push: WHO recommends a Phase III trial of the Ebola vaccine Ervebo for protection against the Bundibugyo strain, after earlier guidance is being reconsidered as the DRC outbreak grows. Local Health Leadership: President Bio appointed Dr Mustapha Kabba as Chief Medical Officer, strengthening technical leadership in the Ministry of Health. Community Primary Care Win: Last Mile Health received the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize for expanding community-based primary healthcare, including in Sierra Leone. GBV & Reproductive Rights: Attorney General Alpha Sesay met UNFPA to strengthen justice, gender-based violence, and reproductive rights protections. Workplace Safety (Lungi): A mudslide at the FB Group construction site in Lungi reportedly killed two workers and sent others for treatment. Health Reporting Skills: SEND-SL trained Kailahun journalists and bloggers in mobile journalism to improve ethical storytelling on health and social behaviour change. Maternal Care Disruption (DRC): Reports from Congo warn Ebola is driving up maternal deaths as pregnant women avoid hospitals and routine care is disrupted.

Maternal & Child Health Accountability: Health and Sanitation Minister Dr Austin Demby urged healthcare workers to stop excuses and act on preventable maternal and child deaths during the weekly MaCDEM meeting, as Sierra Leone pushes toward “Zero Preventable Maternal Deaths” and “Zero Preventable Child Deaths.” Ebola Response Pressure (DRC): WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak is surging toward the deadliest on record, with 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths, and warns transmission is happening beyond treatment centres—raising urgency for early care and safe burials. Ebola in Pregnancy: A report from Congo’s outbreak area highlights maternal deaths doubling as pregnant women avoid hospitals and routine maternity care collapses, leaving treatable complications like malaria and obstructed labour. Vaccine Update: WHO recommends a Phase III trial of the Ebola vaccine Ervebo for Bundibugyo virus, aiming to test safety and effectiveness for the current outbreak. Local Health Leadership: President Bio appoints Dr Mustapha Kabba as Chief Medical Officer, strengthening technical leadership in Sierra Leone’s health sector. Community Primary Care Win: Last Mile Health receives the 2026 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize with $3m to expand community-based primary healthcare in Sierra Leone and other countries. Workplace Safety (Lungi): Labour Ministry investigators are probing a mudslide at the Lungi airport construction site that reportedly killed two workers and sent two others for treatment. GBV & Reproductive Rights: Attorney General Alpha Sesay met UNFPA to discuss strengthening justice, GBV response, and reproductive rights protections. Health Reporting Skills: SEND-SL trained Kailahun journalists and bloggers in mobile journalism to produce ethical, people-centred stories that challenge harmful norms and support safer communities. Drug Seizure Enforcement: Sierra Leone Police TOCU destroyed seized narcotic and pharmaceutical drugs, warning traffickers they will keep disrupting networks.

Ebola Surge in DRC: WHO says the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to become the deadliest ever, with 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths, spreading faster than previous outbreaks and threatening to overtake the 2014–2016 West Africa crisis. Maternal Health Hit: A separate report warns Ebola is driving up maternal deaths as pregnant women avoid hospitals and routine maternity care collapses, leaving treatable complications like malaria and obstructed labour unchecked. Vaccine Push for Bundibugyo: WHO recommends a Phase III trial using the Ebola vaccine Ervebo to test protection against Bundibugyo virus disease, after earlier guidance was reversed and the DRC requested emergency stockpile support. Sierra Leone Health Leadership: President Bio appoints Dr Mustapha Kabba as Chief Medical Officer, strengthening public health leadership. Community Primary Care Award: Last Mile Health wins the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize with $3 million to expand community-based primary healthcare across Sierra Leone and other countries. Workplace Safety: Two workers reportedly died after a mudslide at a Lungi construction site, with others transferred for intensive treatment. Justice & Reproductive Rights: Attorney General Alpha Sesay meets UNFPA on GBV and reproductive rights, including stronger justice and protection for women.

Workplace Safety: Two FB Group workers reportedly died after a mudslide at the Lungi International Conference Centre construction site while installing underground pipes; two others were rushed to Lungi Hospital and Freetown for intensive care as authorities and the company await further details. Health Leadership: President Bio appointed Dr Mustapha Kabba as Chief Medical Officer, placing him at the centre of technical and professional leadership in Sierra Leone’s public health and medical services. Community Primary Care: Last Mile Health won the 2026 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize, receiving $3 million to strengthen community health systems across Ethiopia, Liberia, Malawi and Sierra Leone. Ebola Watch (DRC): WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to become the deadliest ever, with confirmed cases rising to 4,449 and deaths to 2,061, driven by fast spread, delayed detection, conflict and strained health services. Public Health Education & Youth: Sierra Leone’s Minister Chernor Bah joined the 31st AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva to discuss civic education and youth empowerment. Power & Services: EDSA announced a planned power interruption (Aug 12–14) to integrate the NANT power plant into the grid, with arrangements for essential services including Jui Hospital and the Government Hospital at Rokupa. Feed Salone Delivery: MAFS outlined a 12-month delivery agenda (Sept 2026–Aug 2027) to accelerate Feed Salone implementation, targeting bottlenecks in financing, procurement, customs and contractor oversight. Drug Control: Sierra Leone Police TOCU destroyed seized narcotic and pharmaceutical drugs, warning trafficking networks that enforcement will continue. Scholarships: MTHE announced fully funded 2027 Commonwealth Scholarships for Sierra Leoneans to study Master’s and PhD programmes in the UK.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo reported Ebola deaths have passed 2,000, with 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths, as WHO warns the outbreak could overtake the 2014–2016 West Africa epidemic; officials cite delayed detection, conflict, strained health services, and limited contact tracing, while the Bundibugyo strain still has no approved vaccines or treatments. Vaccine Policy Shift (DRC): WHO says it reversed earlier Ervebo guidance after DRC formally requested emergency Ervebo doses from the global stockpile for a strain the vaccine was not designed for, raising urgent questions about cross-strain protection. Local Health & Access (Sierra Leone): EDSA announced a planned power interruption (Aug 12–14) to support the NANT power project, with supply arrangements for key facilities like Jui Hospital and the Government Hospital at Rokupa—important for uninterrupted healthcare services. Health Systems & Training (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education announced fully funded 2027 Commonwealth Scholarships for eligible students, including health-focused study. Wellness (Sierra Leone): Ghanaian fitness entrepreneur Freeman Amegashie praised Sierra Leone’s growing culture of fitness and healthy living during his visit. Community Care (Liberia): Last Mile Health, co-founded with wedding-guest funding, received a $3 million Conrad H. Hilton Humanitarian Prize for expanding community-based care in remote areas.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: WHO warns the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak could become the worst on record, as cases surge past 4,400 and deaths top 2,000, with officials citing delayed detection, conflict, and strained health services. Ebola Response Strain: Reports say the outbreak is spreading faster than previous epidemics, and the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccines or treatments, complicating contact tracing and isolation efforts. Sierra Leone Scholarships: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) announced fully funded 2027 Commonwealth Scholarships for eligible Sierra Leoneans to study Master’s and PhD programmes in the UK, including health-related fields. Feed Salone Delivery Push: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) outlined a 12-month delivery agenda (Sept 2026–Aug 2027) for Feed Salone, focusing on infrastructure, production systems, and fixing bottlenecks like procurement and customs. Power for Health Services: EDSA scheduled a power interruption (Aug 12–14) for NANT grid integration, saying essential services like Jui Hospital and the Government Hospital at Rokupa will be maintained. Local Health Innovation Funding: A health startup backed by wedding guests’ $6,000 has won a $3 million prize, highlighting how small community support can scale into major healthcare impact.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo reports confirmed Ebola cases rising to 4,449, with 2,061 deaths, as officials warn this is the fastest-spreading outbreak on record. Outbreak Drivers: Delayed detection, conflict, and strained health services are making contact tracing and isolation harder, and the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccines or treatments. Regional Risk: The WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, with cases also reported in neighbouring Uganda. Lassa Fever (Nigeria): Nigeria’s NCDC says Lassa fever deaths have reached 237 this year, with a case fatality rate of 23.7%, and urges early care for symptoms like fever and bleeding. Local Health & Services (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s EDSA announces a planned power interruption (Aug 12–14) to support the NANT power project, with supply arrangements noted for key facilities including Jui Hospital and the Government Hospital at Rokupa.

Drug Control in Freetown: Sierra Leone Police TOCU destroyed seized narcotic and pharmaceutical drugs at Hastings, Freetown, saying intelligence-led operations will keep targeting trafficking networks that threaten community health and youth. Power & Health Services: EDSA announced a planned power interruption (Aug 12–14, 9am daily) to support integration of the 108.4MW NANT plant, with essential facilities like Jui Hospital and the Government Hospital at Rokupa to be maintained. Ebola Update (DRC): The DRC reported confirmed Ebola deaths rising to 2,011 and cases to 4,381 across five provinces, with delayed detection, conflict, and strained health services driving faster spread; the outbreak is Bundibugyo strain with no approved vaccines or treatments. Lassa Fever (Nigeria): Nigeria’s NCDC reported 237 Lassa fever deaths since the start of 2026, with cases in multiple states and advice to prevent rodent exposure and seek care early for fever and bleeding symptoms. Electricity Access Push: A solar-plus-battery project (RESPITE) is reported as a major national grid connection, aiming to lift access from 16% to 36% and reduce long outages that can last up to 18 hours. Regional Development (Health & Infrastructure): ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) approved over $510m for West Africa projects including healthcare and transport, supporting a 200-bed regional hospital in Guinea.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s confirmed Ebola deaths have climbed to 2,011, with 4,381 confirmed cases across five provinces, as health officials warn the outbreak is spreading faster than the response can keep up—driven by delayed detection, insecurity, and strained health services. Regional Health Financing: The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) approved about $510m for West Africa, including a 200-bed regional hospital in Guinea and other transport and healthcare projects aimed at improving access to services. Polio Immunisation Research: A new review discusses the co-administration of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 and bivalent oral polio vaccine, highlighting practical challenges for the polio eradication endgame. Digital Health & Data: Sierra Leone’s NPHA has unveiled an advanced digital mortality system to strengthen how deaths are recorded and tracked. Public Health Tech in Schools: A World Bank report highlights Sierra Leone’s use of AI via WhatsApp to help teachers plan lessons where electricity and internet access are limited. Corruption & Service Delivery: President Bio’s “Year of Action and Accelerated Delivery” stresses measurable results in healthcare, education, roads, and clean water, alongside tougher anti-corruption enforcement. Drug Safety (Community Alert): Police in Mamamah Village arrested a suspect found with 287 wraps of Kush, warning of growing public safety and health risks from synthetic drugs.

Ebola Update (DRC): WHO and Africa CDC say the Congo outbreak is outpacing the response, with confirmed cases now over 4,000 and deaths approaching 2,000; contact tracing is thinning, and WHO vaccine experts recommend a full-scale human trial of an existing Ebola vaccine to test cross-protection against the Bundibugyo strain. Digital Health (Sierra Leone): The National Public Health Agency is engaging suppliers to build an Integrated National Digital Mortality Surveillance, Registration and Certification System, including a mortality dashboard and offline-ready tools to improve death data for better health planning. Public Health Data (Sierra Leone): NPHA’s push follows wider digital reforms, including the National Health Information Hub, aiming to strengthen how health information is captured and used. School Feeding & Nutrition (Sierra Leone): President Bio says Feed Salone now reaches over one million pupils across 15 districts, with locally produced rice feeding 270,000 children daily and supporting attendance and household relief. Energy & Health Access (Sierra Leone): New data estimates nearly 6 million people lacked electricity access in 2025, a gap that can limit services like cold-chain, clinics’ operations, and digital health tools. Drug Safety (Sierra Leone): Police report the arrest of a suspect in Mamamah Village after seizure of 287 wraps of Kush, warning of growing youth harm and calling for community action against distribution networks. Mental Health (Global): A U.S. crisis hotline backup call center is laying off 62 staff after losing federal funding, highlighting how funding cuts can quickly affect support for people in distress.

Ebola Alert: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 4,000 confirmed cases with 1,850 deaths, and WHO says the response is being outpaced as contact tracing thins. Public Health Data: Sierra Leone’s NPHA is engaging suppliers to build an Integrated National Digital Mortality Surveillance system to improve how death data is recorded and used for health planning. School Feeding & Nutrition: President Bio says Feed Salone now reaches over one million pupils across 15 districts, with locally produced rice feeding 270,000 children daily. Digital Health & Skills: A World Bank report highlights how AI is helping Sierra Leone teachers and health workers do more with limited internet and electricity, using tools like WhatsApp-based support. Water Security: A new Africa-wide push is mapping groundwater to help communities find safer, pumpable water sources as drought and heavy rains become more unpredictable. Youth & Community Support: RE:ACT backs youth-led solutions with mentorship and funding, while MENFYD mentors 300 girls with life stories plus sexual and reproductive health and mental health awareness. Drug Safety: Police in Mamamah Village arrested a suspect with 287 wraps of Kush, warning of growing risks to youth health.

Digital Health & Data: NPHA is engaging suppliers to build an Integrated National Digital Mortality Surveillance, Registration and Certification System, with a prototype mortality dashboard aimed at improving how Sierra Leone captures and uses death-related data for better health planning. Public Health Tech: A World Bank report highlights how AI is helping teachers and health workers in Sierra Leone do more with less, even where electricity and internet access are limited. Maternal & Child Nutrition: President Bio says school feeding now reaches over one million pupils across 15 districts, with locally produced rice feeding 270,000 children daily under Feed Salone. Health System Strengthening: UNICEF reaffirmed partnership with the U.S. Embassy to boost child survival, immunisation and primary healthcare. Ebola Watch (DRC): Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 4,000 cases (4,053) with 1,850 deaths; WHO vaccine experts are urging a full-scale human trial of an existing Ebola vaccine for possible cross-protection. Community Safety & Substance Harm: Police arrested a suspect in Mamamah Village with 287 wraps of suspected Kush, warning of growing public safety and health risks from synthetic drugs. Accountability for Health Services: Government plans to roll out electronic procurement and automated audit tracking across local councils to reduce revenue leakages and improve transparency in services like healthcare and sanitation.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded 4,053 confirmed Ebola cases and 1,850 deaths, with the outbreak now spread across 53 health zones in five provinces—health experts warn the real numbers may be higher as response strains continue. Digital Health (NPHA): Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency is engaging suppliers to build an Integrated National Digital Mortality Surveillance, Registration and Certification System, aiming to improve how death data is captured and used for better health decisions. School Health & Nutrition (Feed Salone): President Bio says the home-grown school feeding programme now reaches over one million pupils across 15 districts, with locally produced rice feeding about 270,000 children daily. Public Health Systems (Health Ministry): Sierra Leone’s health authorities are pushing digital reforms to strengthen disease detection and laboratory systems, alongside efforts to modernise public health information. Community Health & Safety (Drugs): Police in Mamamah Village arrested a suspect with 287 wraps of suspected Kush, highlighting ongoing risks to youth health and the need for community-led prevention. Youth & Wellness (MENFYD): MENFYD mentors about 300 girls through life stories, including sexual and reproductive health education, mental health awareness, and substance abuse guidance. Energy & Health Access: New data estimates nearly six million Sierra Leoneans lacked electricity access in 2025, a gap that can affect clinics, cold-chain needs, and health service delivery.

Year of Action: President Maada Bio says 2026 will be a decisive “action and accelerated delivery” year, judging government by results on food, electricity, clean water, roads, healthcare and jobs—not speeches. Feed Salone & School Feeding: Bio reports Feed Salone is boosting rice production and cutting import bills, while school feeding now reaches over one million pupils across 15 districts using locally produced rice. Digital Health & Data: NPHA is engaging suppliers to build an Integrated National Digital Mortality Surveillance system to improve death registration and health planning, building on Sierra Leone’s digital health reforms. Public Finance Transparency: Government plans to roll out electronic procurement and digital audits across local councils to reduce revenue leakages and improve accountability. Energy Access Gap: New data shows nearly 6 million Sierra Leoneans lacked electricity access in 2025, highlighting ongoing health and service delivery constraints. Ebola Watch (DRC): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000 cases with 1,850 deaths, as WHO experts recommend a full human trial of an existing vaccine for possible cross-protection. Youth & Health Education: MENFYD mentors about 300 girls with life stories plus sexual and reproductive health, mental health and substance abuse education. Community Safety: Police arrest a suspect in Mamamah Village with 287 wraps of suspected Kush, warning of growing public health risks from synthetic drugs.

Food Security & School Nutrition: President Bio says Feed Salone is boosting rice output, cutting prices and easing household pressure, noting rice self-sufficiency rose from 68% (2023) to 73% (2025) and the school feeding programme now reaches over one million pupils across 15 districts. Digital Health & Data Systems: The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) is engaging suppliers to build an Integrated National Digital Mortality Surveillance, Registration and Certification System to improve how death data is captured and used for health planning. Local Accountability Tech: Government plans to roll out Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) and digital audit-tracking across local councils to reduce revenue leakages and strengthen transparency in spending on services like healthcare and sanitation. Anti-Corruption Push: President Bio warns that no office or political status will shield anyone from lawful scrutiny, saying corruption steals resources meant for clinics, schools and roads. Ebola Watch (Regional): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000 confirmed cases, with WHO experts urging a full-scale vaccine trial to assess cross-protection. Child Health Partnership: UNICEF reaffirms U.S. Embassy support to improve child survival, immunisation and primary healthcare in Sierra Leone.