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Sierra Leone has achieved a major milestone in its healthcare system with the accreditation of the country’s first internationally accredited medical laboratories, strengthening its capacity to provide reliable and high-quality HIV diagnostic services.
The development was announced by the U.S. Embassy in Freetown on Monday, August 17, 2026, highlighting the continued partnership between Sierra Leone and the United States in advancing the country’s public health system.
According to the Embassy, the achievement was made possible through sustained support from the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Amref Health Africa.
The international accreditation is expected to enhance the quality, reliability and credibility of laboratory services, particularly in the diagnosis and monitoring of HIV, while strengthening Sierra Leone’s broader capacity to respond effectively to the disease.
The milestone also reflects the importance of international partnerships in strengthening Sierra Leone’s health infrastructure and improving access to quality diagnostic services.
The U.S. Embassy described the accreditation as a “major milestone for global health,” noting that it represents progress in Sierra Leone’s efforts to build stronger laboratory systems capable of delivering dependable healthcare services.
Through PEPFAR and CDC, the United States has continued to support HIV prevention, testing, treatment and laboratory systems in countries affected by the HIV epidemic. The latest development further demonstrates the role of such partnerships in strengthening Sierra Leone’s national response to HIV.
The accreditation of the laboratories therefore marks a significant step toward improving the quality of HIV-related diagnostic services and reinforcing confidence in Sierra Leone’s laboratory health system.
