FCC Trains Healthcare Workers to Combat Growing Extreme Heat Risks

The Freetown City Council (FCC) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, launched a two-day training programme for frontline healthcare workers aimed at strengthening the city’s response to the growing health risks associated with extreme heat.

The initiative, implemented under the Enhancing Heat-Health in Freetown Project, is being carried out in partnership with HB Ltd, the Ministry of Health’s Directorate of Environmental Health, the District Health Management Team (DHMT), and with support from C40 Cities.

The training is designed to equip healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills required to identify, treat and manage heat-related illnesses, while also improving public awareness and preparedness for heat emergencies.

According to FCC, the programme targets the training of 500 healthcare workers, strengthening heat-health protocols and integrating heat-health measures into routine healthcare services.

“This initiative aims to train 500 healthcare workers, strengthen heat-health protocols, and integrate heat-health into routine healthcare services,” FCC stated.

The programme builds on Freetown’s Heat Action Plan, adopted in 2024 as the city’s first long-term strategy aimed at reducing heat-related risks and improving climate resilience.

It also complements the work of Africa’s first Chief Heat Officer, who was appointed to coordinate city-level efforts in addressing the increasing threat posed by extreme heat.

Beyond healthcare interventions, FCC said it continues to implement climate adaptation measures, including tree planting, cooling infrastructure, improved access to safe drinking water, and the provision of shade and shelter for women traders and informal workers.

The Council noted that rapid urbanisation, limited green spaces and increasing pressure on public services have contributed to Freetown’s vulnerability to extreme temperatures and related health challenges.

Despite the growing threat, heat-related conditions such as heat exhaustion, dehydration and heat stroke remain under-recognised and are not routinely reported within Sierra Leone’s healthcare system.

FCC said strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers remains a critical step towards improving heat-health preparedness and protecting vulnerable communities from the effects of climate change.

The training programme is expected to support ongoing efforts to build a cooler, healthier and more climate-resilient Freetown.