Health Ministry, NPHA and Partners Intensify Meningitis Awareness in Freetown
Sahid Bangura The Ministry of Health, through its Health Education and Promotion (HEP) Programme, has joined the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), World Health Organization (WHO), Children’s Advocacy Forum Sierra Leone and other health partners to raise public awareness about meningitis through a health walk in Freetown.
The awareness activity was held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, ahead of World Meningitis Day, observed globally on October 5 each year. It brought together health workers, civil society representatives and development partners to promote key messages on meningitis prevention, early recognition and timely treatment.
The walk, which started at the Cotton Tree and ended at the Youyi Building compound, was organised to take vital health information directly to communities and encourage individuals and families to take appropriate measures to prevent the disease.
Health Education and Promotion officials emphasised the importance of public education in helping communities recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis and understand the need to seek medical care without delay.
Meningitis is an infection affecting the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Participants used the awareness campaign to highlight common symptoms, including sudden high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion and drowsiness.
The campaign also stressed vaccination as an important preventive measure, particularly the need for parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive the recommended vaccinations.
Health workers and partners urged members of the public to visit the nearest health facility immediately if they observe signs and symptoms associated with meningitis, noting that early care-seeking can be critical in managing the disease.
The activity also underscored the shared responsibility of parents, caregivers, schools, communities and health workers in preventing meningitis, promoting awareness and ensuring that affected persons receive timely medical attention.
The health walk concluded with brief remarks from representatives of participating institutions, reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration in strengthening community health education and disease prevention.
The campaign was guided by the message: “Know the signs. Act fast. Protect every child.”