A proactive move to boost national health security, the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) has officially launched a collaborative initiative with the Traditional Healers Association.

The partnership focuses on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) preparedness, recognizing the vital role community-based practitioners play in Sierra Leone’s healthcare landscape.

The engagement, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, served as a strategic forum to align traditional healing practices with modern medical surveillance. By involving traditional healers, the NPHA aims to penetrate community levels where formal medical influence may be limited, ensuring that accurate information reaches every corner of the country.

National Public Health emphasized that the goal is not to replace traditional practices, but to foster a strong partnership that prioritizes public safety.

By working together, the NPHA can ensure that no suspected case goes unnoticed and that patients receive the specialized care they need while protecting the wider community.

This collaboration marks a significant step in Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to improve public health outcomes through community-inclusive strategies. As the NPHA continues to monitor regional health threats, the integration of traditional healers into the formal response framework is expected to significantly reduce response times and mitigate the risk of community transmission.