Sierra Leone Receives WHO Test Kits to Boost Ebola Preparedness
Sahid Bangura The World Health Organization (WHO) has donated 480 PCR test kits and approximately 500 extraction materials to Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency (NPHA) to strengthen the country’s preparedness for potential Ebola and Marburg virus disease outbreaks.
The donation was presented by WHO Country Representative Dr. George Ameh and is expected to enhance the country’s laboratory capacity and ability to detect and respond promptly to potential outbreaks.
Receiving the materials on behalf of the NPHA and the Ministry of Health, Executive Director Prof. Brig-Gen. Dr. Foday Sahr expressed appreciation to WHO for its support, noting that the supplies would complement existing national stocks.
Prof. Sahr disclosed that more than 300 test kits had already been distributed to hospitals as part of the country’s preparedness efforts. He added that approximately 495 test kits were available at Kenema Government Hospital, alongside about 560 reagents in stock.
The NPHA said the additional supplies would strengthen laboratory testing, support early detection and improve the country’s capacity to respond to potential Ebola and Marburg outbreaks.
The donation comes as Sierra Leone continues to reinforce its public health preparedness through improved diagnostic capacity and the availability of essential testing materials to support timely identification and response to infectious disease threats.
