AGP Executive Report

ECOWAS Summit Health Readiness: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health has moved medical teams, emergency equipment, ambulances and a “Hospital on Wheels” to Lungi ahead of the 69th ECOWAS Heads of State summit, with Lungi Government Hospital staff and specialists stationed to support delegates and the public. Hospital Project Support: China donated ICT equipment (computers and printers) to help prepare Sierra Leone’s 600-bed hospital project, now reported over 90% complete. Training for Better Care: A Chinese medical team launched a hybrid Traditional Chinese Medicine nursing training for over 40 nurses at the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital, using digital lectures plus hands-on mentorship for pain management and patient safety. First Responder Skills: Another Chinese team delivered first responder emergency care training at Central University, aiming to strengthen local emergency response capacity. Drug Safety Alert: Authorities in Kono arrested a man with 104 wraps of suspected Kush during anti-drug community activities, as Sierra Leone continues tackling substance abuse as a public health emergency. Regional Health Crisis Watch: The DRC Ebola outbreak has surpassed 2,000 confirmed cases with over 750 deaths, while unpaid salaries are reportedly pushing health workers toward strike action.

Ebola Watch: DR Congo reports Ebola cases topping 2,000, with over 750 deaths and a growing risk of health worker strikes as unpaid salaries strain the response. ECOWAS Health Readiness: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health has deployed ambulances, “Hospital on Wheels,” and specialist teams to Lungi Hospital and the Presidential Clinic ahead of the ECOWAS Summit, including fully equipped A&E and High Dependency units. Nursing Capacity Boost: A Chinese medical team has launched hybrid Traditional Chinese Medicine nursing training in Freetown, combining digital lessons with hands-on mentorship for local nurses, with a focus on pain management. Hospital Project Support: China has donated ICT equipment to help prepare Sierra Leone’s 600-bed hospital project (now over 90% complete) for future operations. Substance Abuse Alert: Authorities in Kono report arresting a man with 104 wraps of suspected Kush during anti-drug activities, as Sierra Leone continues treating drug abuse as a public health emergency. Reproductive Health Policy: New U.S. anti-abortion funding restrictions could reshape reproductive health support across Africa, raising concerns for maternal health and access to care. Local Health Workforce Training: Chinese experts also delivered first responder emergency care training at Central University, targeting practical skills for airway management and immediate care.

ECOWAS Summit Health Readiness: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health has moved medical teams, emergency equipment, ambulances and a “Hospital on Wheels” to Lungi ahead of the 18–19 July ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, with doctors and nurses stationed at Lungi Government Hospital and the Presidential Clinic to strengthen emergency and critical care. Hospital Upgrade Support: China donated ICT equipment (computers and printers) to help prepare Sierra Leone’s 600-bed hospital project, now over 90% complete, boosting readiness for future operations. Drug Safety Alert: In Kono, police received a suspect arrested with 104 wraps of suspected Kush during anti-drug activities, as authorities warn the substance remains a major public health threat. FGM Court Case: Sierra Leone’s High Court opened trial of five people accused of forcibly subjecting a woman to FGM/Bondo initiation, with charges including conspiracy and causing grievous bodily harm. Maternal Health Policy Pressure (Global): A report highlights how new US anti-abortion funding restrictions could affect reproductive health services across Africa, where maternal deaths and unsafe abortions remain high. Ebola Watch (Regional): DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 2,000 confirmed cases, with WHO warning response capacity and funding are falling short.

ECOWAS Summit Health Readiness: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health has moved medical teams, supplies, two fully equipped ambulances and a “Hospital on Wheels” mobile clinic to Lungi ahead of the 18–19 July ECOWAS Heads of State summit, with extra doctors and nursing support at the conference centre. Hospital Upgrade Support: China has donated ICT equipment to help Sierra Leone’s 600-bed hospital project as construction passes 90% completion, boosting readiness for future operations. Drug Safety Alert: In Kono, police took custody of a man allegedly found with 104 wraps of suspected Kush during anti-drug activities, as authorities warn about the drug’s deadly risks. Public Health Capacity Building: NPHA has completed a three-day leadership workshop to strengthen Sierra Leone’s public health institute systems, including surveillance, labs, emergency response and risk communication. Maternal Health & Rights in Court: Sierra Leone’s High Court opened trial proceedings over alleged forced FGM, with prosecutors saying the complainant was initiated without consent and detained. Regional Health Threat: DRC Ebola cases have topped 2,000 with hundreds of deaths, while health workers warn of possible strike over unpaid salaries. Health Policy & Access: Parliament is moving to introduce a health insurance scheme for MPs, while the Ministry of Tourism launches a community beach sports initiative aimed at cleaner, healthier beaches. Reproductive Rights Pressure Abroad: AP reports the US is expanding restrictions on funding for abortion-related work overseas, raising concerns for maternal health in sub-Saharan Africa.

ECOWAS Summit Medical Readiness: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health has moved emergency teams, supplies, two fully equipped ambulances, and a Hospital on Wheels to Lungi ahead of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre commissioning and the 2026 ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, with doctors and nursing leadership stationed for rapid care. Hospital Capacity Boost: China donated computers, printers, and ICT equipment to support Sierra Leone’s 600-bed hospital project, now over 90% complete, to help prepare for future operations. Public Health System Strengthening: NMSA is intensifying nationwide distribution of essential medicines and medical supplies for 2026 Q1 and Q2, including Free Healthcare medicines and Ebola preparedness supplies, reaching multiple districts and referral facilities. Drug Safety Alert: A man in Kono was arrested with 104 wraps of suspected Kush during community anti-drug activities, as authorities continue efforts to curb the substance linked to deaths across West Africa. Reproductive Health Funding Fight: An AP report says new U.S. anti-abortion funding restrictions could reshape reproductive health services across Africa, raising concerns about maternal health and access to care. Legal/Health Link: Sierra Leone dropped treason charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma on health grounds, ending a high-profile case and allowing his return. Health Access at Borders: SLCAA reminded international travellers to complete Sierra Leone’s online Health Declaration and Travel Information Form 24–72 hours before travel to avoid delays.

Public Health Systems: Sierra Leone’s National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) has intensified nationwide distribution of essential medicines and medical supplies for 2026, starting with key referral hospitals in Freetown and expanding to over seven districts, including Free Healthcare, nutrition commodities, and Ebola preparedness supplies. Emergency Care Readiness: The Ministry of Health inspected Lungi Government Hospital ahead of the 69th ECOWAS Summit, focusing on emergency response, critical care, and newly equipped A&E and High Dependency Units. Workforce Training: A Chinese medical team delivered specialized first-responder emergency care training at Central University, supporting practical skills for nearly 150 nursing students and faculty. Health Governance: The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) concluded a leadership workshop to strengthen public health institute capacity, including surveillance, labs, emergency preparedness, risk communication, and mental health. Health Access & Coverage: Parliament has started steps to introduce a healthcare and insurance scheme for Members of Parliament, aiming to improve lawmakers’ welfare. Health Travel Compliance: SLCAA reminded international passengers to complete Sierra Leone’s Health Declaration online 24–72 hours before travel to avoid delays. Justice & Health (Local Impact): Sierra Leone dropped treason charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma on health grounds, allowing him to return home, a move welcomed by regional leaders including Goodluck Jonathan.

Ebola Watch (DRC): The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 2,000 confirmed cases and 750 deaths, with health workers threatening a strike over unpaid salaries as WHO warns the response is underfunded and the epidemic is still expanding. Ebola Support (Regional): China CDC experts have joined the international Ebola coordination effort in Uganda and the DRC, adding epidemiology, lab and clinical support to the regional response. Emergency Care Training (Sierra Leone): A Chinese medical team trained nearly 150 nursing students and faculty at Central University of Sierra Leone on first-responder emergency care, including airway management and practical simulations. Hospital Readiness (ECOWAS Summit): Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health inspected Lungi Government Hospital, focusing on the newly equipped Accident and Emergency unit and High Dependency Unit to boost emergency and critical care for summit delegates and the public. Medicines Supply (NMSA): The National Medical Supplies Agency intensified nationwide distribution of essential medicines and health supplies for 2026, including Free Healthcare medicines and Ebola preparedness items across multiple districts. Heat-Health Preparedness (Freetown): Freetown City Council launched a two-day training for frontline health workers to recognise and manage heat-related illnesses, supported by C40 Cities, as extreme heat risks rise. Health Access Policy (Parliament): Parliament moved to introduce a healthcare and insurance scheme for MPs, aiming to improve lawmakers’ welfare and working conditions. FGM Trial (High Court): Sierra Leone’s High Court opened trial of five people accused of forcibly subjecting a woman to FGM through the Bondo Society, with the case testing how existing criminal law applies to forced initiation. Travel Health (SLCAA): The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority reminded international passengers to complete the online Health Declaration and Travel Information Form 24–72 hours before travel to avoid delays.

Heat-Health Training in Freetown: Freetown City Council, with partners including the Ministry of Health’s Environmental Health Directorate and C40 Cities, trained 35 frontline workers to spot, treat, and manage heat-related illnesses as extreme heat risks rise. Medicines Supply Boost: Sierra Leone’s National Medical Supplies Agency intensified nationwide distribution of essential medicines and medical supplies for 2026 Q1 and Q2, starting with major Freetown referral facilities and expanding to multiple districts, including Free Healthcare and Ebola preparedness supplies. Public Health System Strengthening: The National Public Health Agency wrapped a three-day leadership workshop in Freetown to map gaps and action plans for stronger disease surveillance, laboratory systems, emergency preparedness, and risk communication. Ebola Support Coordination: China CDC experts joined an international Ebola response coordination platform in Uganda, adding specialist support drawn from prior Sierra Leone experience. FGM Trial Opens: Sierra Leone’s High Court began trial of five people accused of forcibly subjecting a woman to FGM through the Bondo Society, with the case testing how existing criminal law applies to forced initiation. Travel Health Reminder: SLCAA reminded international passengers to complete Sierra Leone’s Health Declaration online 24–72 hours before travel to avoid airport delays. MP Health Insurance Move: Parliament started steps to introduce a healthcare and insurance scheme for MPs, citing lawmakers’ physical, mental, and financial pressures. Ebola Travel Restrictions Abroad: The US issued temporary flight restrictions for Americans who recently visited the DRC due to Ebola risk.

Ebola Preparedness: The U.S. has imposed temporary flight restrictions on Americans who were in the DRC within the last 21 days, alongside emergency guidance as Ebola cases rise. Local Court Watch: Sierra Leone’s High Court has opened the trial of five people accused of forcibly subjecting a woman to FGM, with prosecutors alleging detention and cutting without consent. Medicines Supply: The National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) is stepping up nationwide distribution of essential medicines and medical supplies for 2026, including Free Healthcare, nutrition commodities, and Ebola preparedness items. Public Health Systems: The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) concluded a leadership workshop to strengthen governance, surveillance, laboratories, emergency preparedness, and risk communication. Heat-Health Training: Freetown City Council trained frontline health workers to recognise and manage heat-related illnesses, with plans to build heat-health protocols and community awareness. Travel Health Compliance: SLCAA reminds international passengers to complete Sierra Leone’s Health Declaration online 24–72 hours before travel to avoid delays. MP Welfare Push: Parliament is moving to introduce a healthcare and insurance scheme for Members of Parliament, citing health and wellbeing needs. Regional Health Data: Rwanda is sharing its national health intelligence approach with Sierra Leone and other African countries to boost data-driven care.

Public Health Systems: NPHA wrapped up a three-day leadership workshop to strengthen Sierra Leone’s surveillance, lab services, emergency preparedness, and governance, aiming for a more resilient public health institute. Medicines Supply: NMSA intensified nationwide distribution of essential medicines and medical supplies for 2026’s first and second quarters, starting with key Freetown referral facilities and expanding to multiple districts. Heat-Health Preparedness: Freetown City Council trained frontline health workers to recognise and manage heat-related illnesses, with plans to scale training and improve heat response protocols. MP Welfare & Health Insurance: Parliament moved to draft a healthcare and insurance scheme for MPs to improve welfare and working conditions. Travel Health Compliance: SLCAA reminded travellers to complete the Sierra Leone Health Declaration online before departure/arrival to avoid airport delays. Regional Health Intelligence: Sierra Leone joined a South-to-South learning exchange on building national health intelligence systems, sharing lessons on owning and using health data. Ebola Care Warning (DRC): UNFPA reported maternal deaths doubling in the Ebola outbreak zone as fear keeps pregnant women away from hospitals. Politics & Health Access: Sierra Leone dropped treason charges against ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma on health grounds, clearing the way for his return.

Heat-Health Training: Freetown City Council launched a two-day training for frontline healthcare workers to spot and manage heat-related illnesses, as extreme temperatures rise and vulnerable groups face higher risk. Water Safety Alerts: Massachusetts closed 40+ beaches over bacterial concerns, a reminder that unsafe water can drive stomach, respiratory and skin problems. Legal/Health Access: Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General discontinued criminal proceedings against former President Ernest Bai Koroma; the notice says his bail ends and he can return after medical treatment. Nursing Capacity Boost: Sierra Leone and China inaugurated a Nursing Training Center at the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital to strengthen national nursing standards through structured training. Regional Health Intelligence: Rwanda is sharing its national health data system know-how with Sierra Leone and other countries to improve data-driven healthcare and reduce dependence on external systems. Maternal Health Warning: In the Ebola-affected DRC, maternal deaths reportedly doubled as fear keeps expectant mothers away from hospitals—highlighting the danger of delayed care. Campus Attendance Rule: COMAHS reissued a strict 75% attendance requirement for student examinations, tightening enforcement across faculties. Anti-Trafficking Push: A UN forum heard that fewer than 1% of trafficking victims are formally identified, calling for better victim detection and protection systems. Child Protection Online: Sierra Leone’s Gender and Children’s Affairs ministry urged the public to stop sharing a viral abuse video, warning reposts worsen harm and may break child protection laws.

Legal Update: Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General has discontinued criminal proceedings against former President Ernest Bai Koroma, ending the treason case and bringing his medical bail to an immediate close, with him free to return after treatment. Maternal Health: In the Ebola outbreak epicentre in DRC’s Ituri province, UNFPA reports maternal deaths in childbirth have doubled as fear and a strained health system push expectant mothers to deliver at home. Nursing Capacity: Sierra Leone and China inaugurated a Nursing Training Center at the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital, with a focus on skills transfer and strengthening the national nursing workforce. Health Data Systems: Rwanda is sharing its national health intelligence experience with seven African countries, including Sierra Leone, to help build data-driven healthcare decision-making. Child Protection Online: Sierra Leone’s Gender and Children’s Affairs Ministry urges the public to stop sharing a viral alleged abuse video, warning reposts worsen harm and may break child protection laws. Power Sector Funding: The IMF says Sierra Leone may need an extra US$42.5m this year to keep electricity flowing by covering EDSA payments to independent power producers. Regional Health Leadership: WAHO marks its 39th anniversary, calling for stronger ECOWAS cooperation, sustainable financing, and better preparedness for emerging health threats. Campus Rules: COMAHS reiterates a strict 75% attendance requirement for student examinations, saying enforcement will be tightened across departments.

Maternal Health in Ebola Hotspots: UNFPA reports maternal deaths in DRC’s Ituri province have doubled since the May Ebola outbreak, as fear and a strained system push pregnant women to deliver at home, raising “indirect mortality” from delayed emergency care. Nursing Capacity Boost: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and China launched a Nursing Training Center at the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital in Freetown, with specialized courses using telemedicine and bedside clinical instruction to strengthen frontline skills. Regional Health Data Push: Rwanda is sharing its national health intelligence system with seven African countries, including Sierra Leone, to help governments own and use health data for better policy decisions. Anti-Trafficking Gap: A UN forum session heard that fewer than 1% of trafficking victims are officially identified, calling identification the key bottleneck and urging community-focused support. Health System Governance: COMAHS at University of Sierra Leone reiterates a strict 75% attendance rule for semester exams, with enforcement expanding across departments. Public Health & Safety: Sierra Leone’s RSLAF and police began a major clean-up in Lungi ahead of the ECOWAS summit, targeting sanitation and safer public spaces. Health Sector Finance Watch: NASSIT assured contributors and pensioners that pension payments remain uninterrupted despite scrutiny of some investment assets.

Nursing Workforce Boost: Sierra Leone and China have launched a Nursing Training Center at the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital in Freetown, aiming to close nursing capacity gaps through structured skills transfer and professional development. Emergency Care Skills: The Chinese medical team also ran a “First Responder” emergency care training at Central University, equipping nearly 150 nursing students and faculty with lifesaving first-aid, triage, CPR, and AED response. Regional Health Push: WAHO marked its 39th anniversary with a call for stronger ECOWAS cooperation, sustainable financing, tech innovation, and better preparedness for emerging health threats. Student Attendance Rules: COMAHS has reiterated a strict 75% attendance requirement for semester examinations, with enforcement now set to be tightened across all departments. Community Health Access: WACP Liberia Chapter held a free specialist medical outreach in New Kru Town, combining consultations, screenings, referrals, and disease prevention education. Child Protection Warning: Sierra Leone’s Gender and Children’s Affairs Ministry urged the public to stop sharing a viral alleged abuse video, saying reposting worsens trauma and may break child protection laws. Health System Monitoring: A German NGO mission assessed development project impacts across Kailahun, Kenema, Bo, and Pujehun, including water and sanitation, school gardens for nutrition, and anti-drug awareness.

Community Health Access: WACP Liberia Chapter launched a free specialist medical outreach in New Kru Town, offering consultations, screenings, referrals, and public health education to boost early disease detection and prevention. Regional Health Leadership: WAHO marked its 39th anniversary, calling for stronger ECOWAS cooperation, sustainable funding, tech innovation, and better preparedness for emerging health threats. Nursing Skills Boost: China-Sierra Leone Nursing Training Center ran a specialized course using telemedicine plus hands-on clinical instruction, training over 40 nurses and adding practical eye-care, emergency triage, and nursing management skills. Emergency Care Training: A separate China-Sierra Leone “First Responder” program trained nearly 150 nursing students and faculty at Central University with CPR and emergency response simulations. Public Health at Borders: Sierra Leone introduced a mandatory online health declaration for all travellers via the Health Travel Portal, generating a QR/reference code to strengthen disease surveillance. Child Protection Online Harm: Authorities urged the public to stop sharing a viral alleged child abuse video, warning reposts can worsen trauma and may break child protection laws. Health Workforce & Systems: Coverage also highlights labour and work-permit administration training and broader youth mental health focus, pointing to the need for stronger health and support systems.

Emergency Health Training: A China–Sierra Leone Nursing Training Center delivered specialized courses at the Sierra Leone–China Friendship Hospital, using telemedicine links and hands-on instruction to strengthen frontline nurses’ skills in eye care and emergency triage, with over 40 nurses participating. First Aid Capacity Boost: Another Chinese medical team ran a “First Responder” emergency care training at Central University, equipping nearly 150 nursing students and faculty with lifesaving skills like CPR and emergency coordination. Public Health at Borders: Sierra Leone introduced a mandatory online Health Declaration for all travellers, requiring submission through the official Health Travel Portal within 72 hours before travel and retention of a QR code/reference number for checks. Child Protection Online: Authorities urged the public to stop sharing a viral video alleging sexual abuse of an adolescent girl, warning reposts worsen trauma and may breach child protection laws. Labour Safety & Work Permits: The Labour Ministry trained new officers on labour inspection, occupational safety and health, and work permit administration, including coordination with Constrat Systems for digitised permit processing. Youth Mental Health Focus: A call for Sierra Leone to treat youth wellbeing and mental health as development priorities highlighted how stress and distress can derail education, work, and community life.