Sierra Leone Falls Short of WHO Ebola Preparedness Standard, Report Reveals

Sierra Leone’s national preparedness to respond to a potential outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) currently stands at 51%, falling significantly below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended threshold of 80%, according to a recent health sector assessment.

The findings were presented by Dr. Squire during a high-level stakeholder engagement convened by the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

The assessment revealed a mixed picture of the country’s outbreak preparedness, highlighting both strengths and critical gaps within the health system.

Sierra Leone recorded strong performance in laboratory readiness, scoring 84%, indicating improved capacity for disease detection and diagnostic response. Surveillance systems also showed moderate capacity at 68%, while points of entry preparedness stood at 63%.

Despite these encouraging indicators, the report warned that significant weaknesses remain in key areas essential for effective outbreak control.

Dr. Squire stressed that urgent improvements are required in infection prevention and control, logistics management, risk communication, and safe and dignified burial processes in order to close the gap and meet the WHO’s 80% preparedness benchmark.

The assessment underscores the need for strengthened coordination and resource allocation across health response systems to ensure the country is better equipped to prevent and contain any potential resurgence of Ebola BVD.

Health authorities and stakeholders are now expected to intensify efforts to reinforce the identified weak areas as part of ongoing national preparedness and response planning.