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The Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA), in collaboration with SANOFI and PATH, organized a national symposium on Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes for medical doctors on Saturday, 28 March 2026, at York Village.
The event forms part of ongoing efforts to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that claim an estimated 29,700 lives annually in Sierra Leone.
Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes remain major public health challenges in the country. Current estimates show a 40% prevalence of Hypertension among adults aged 30–79, with only 23% aware of their diagnosis, 11% receiving treatment, and 8.5% achieving controlled blood pressure. Type 2 Diabetes affects approximately 4.8% of adults, equating to around 170,000 people, with 67% unaware of their condition, 19% on treatment, and only 8.6% with diabetes under control.
The Sierra Leone Integrated Hypertension and Diabetes Program, implemented by PATH with support from SANOFI’s Global Health Unit, aims to improve health equity by enhancing the competencies of medical doctors nationwide and strengthening patient care for those living with NCDs.
During the symposium, 52 medical doctors participated in training sessions covering patient-centered care, cardiovascular risk assessment, management of complications such as stroke, and the latest advances in the treatment of Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes. Seasoned lecturers from the University of Sierra Leone Medical School led the sessions, sharing best practices and evidence-based approaches.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Sanofi Pepe, the SANOFI Access Lead, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting national efforts to address NCDs through partnerships with professional associations and government institutions.
On behalf of the SLMDA, President Dr. Ahmed Sheriff thanked SANOFI and PATH for their support and pledged the continued commitment of Sierra Leonean doctors to advocate for and champion patient care for those living with Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes.
Through such collaborative efforts, the program aims to expand coverage, improve quality of care, and contribute to a reduction in the burden of non-communicable diseases across Sierra Leone.
Notes
About the Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA)
The Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA) is the professional body representing medical and dental practitioners in Sierra Leone. It is committed to promoting excellence in clinical practice, medical education, research, and professional development, while advocating for high standards of healthcare delivery across the country. Through continuous medical education activities, policy engagement, and strategic partnerships, SLMDA plays a key role in strengthening the health system and supporting national and global health priorities.
For more information, please visit: http://theslmda.org/
About PATH
PATH is a global non-profit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience in forging multisector partnerships, and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing health challenges.
For more information, please visit www.path.org
About Sanofi’s Global Health Unit
Sanofi’s Global Health Unit is a pioneering, not-for-profit social business model with a mission to improve the lives of underserved populations in 40 countries with the highest unmet medical needs through innovative inclusive healthcare models and partnerships, delivering a sustainable impact. Through its Impact Investment Fund, the Global Health Unit is focused on supporting the scale up of businesses to improving access to healthcare by supporting startup companies and other innovators who can deliver scalable solutions for health care in underserved regions.
For more information, please visit Global Health Unit: Expanding Healthcare Access | Sanofi
About Sierra Leone Integrated Hypertension and Diabetes Service Delivery Intervention
The integrated Hypertension and Diabetes service delivery intervention is one of Sanofi’s health equity programs aimed at addressing the growing burden of cardiorenal and metabolic diseases in Africa. The program is collaborating with the Ministry of Health to improve the quality of care for Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes in seventeen public health units in the Western area urban and rural.
