A new report has revealed that HIV is responsible for one in every five adult deaths in Sierra Leone, raising serious concerns about gaps in testing, awareness, and treatment across the country.

The findings, presented by the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) programme during its 10th Advisory Committee Meeting in Makeni, highlight the scale of what health experts are now describing as a “silent crisis.”

According to the report, 21% of all adult deaths are linked to HIV-related complications. Even more concerning is that a significant majority of those affected were either unaware of their status or unable to access life-saving treatment. Data shows that 65% of individuals who died had never been diagnosed with HIV, while 70% of those who knew their status were not receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Health professionals say these figures expose major weaknesses in the country’s HIV response, particularly in early detection and continuity of care. Stigma surrounding HIV, limited access to testing facilities, and low public awareness are believed to be key factors preventing many Sierra Leoneans from seeking timely diagnosis and treatment.

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Addressing stakeholders at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Charles Senessie, described the findings as a critical wake-up call. He urged health authorities and partners to act swiftly in strengthening national strategies to combat the epidemic and reduce preventable deaths.

Experts at the meeting emphasized that HIV often goes undetected for years due to its asymptomatic nature in early stages. As a result, many individuals only seek medical attention when the disease has significantly weakened their immune systems, reducing chances of survival.

The report also draws attention to a troubling treatment gap. Even among those who were aware of their HIV-positive status, the high rate of non-treatment suggests persistent barriers such as limited access to healthcare facilities, logistical challenges, and social stigma that discourages people from remaining in care.

With these findings now in the spotlight, the Ministry of Health faces mounting pressure to expand HIV testing nationwide, improve early diagnosis, and ensure that all patients are promptly linked to treatment and supported to remain on medication.

Health experts warn that without urgent intervention, HIV will continue to account for a significant proportion of adult deaths in Sierra Leone, undermining progress made in other areas of public health.