The Ministry of Health has recorded a significant breakthrough in Sierra Leone’s healthcare system by commencing the first-ever local production of essential infection prevention and control supplies for Government hospitals and health facilities nationwide.
The initiative was announced on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Youyi Building in Freetown as part of the Ministry’s 300 Days of Activism for Triple Zero campaign.
Implemented under the leadership of the Minister of Health and spearheaded by the Ministry’s National Infection Prevention and Control Programme, the initiative seeks to strengthen hygiene standards and reduce infections that contribute to maternal and child deaths.
The Triple Zero campaign focuses on achieving zero maternal deaths, zero child deaths and zero zero-dose children; children who have not received any routine vaccinations.
Through the new local production initiative, the Ministry is manufacturing liquid soap, hand sanitizer and liquid detergent for distribution to public healthcare facilities across the country.
The liquid soap will promote regular handwashing among healthcare workers, patients and visitors, while the hand sanitizer will support hand hygiene where soap and water may not be immediately available. The liquid detergent will be used to clean healthcare environments, surfaces and medical equipment.
Programme Manager of the National Infection Prevention and Control Programme, Nanah Fofanah, said infections remain a major contributor to maternal and child deaths, especially when they develop into sepsis.
She explained that strengthening infection prevention and control practices in hospitals and other health facilities is essential to reducing avoidable infections, protecting healthcare workers and improving patient safety.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body responds severely to an infection. Pregnant women, newborn babies, young children and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the condition.
The Ministry believes that ensuring a reliable supply of locally produced hygiene materials will help healthcare facilities maintain cleaner environments and promote consistent infection prevention practices.
Local production is also expected to reduce dependence on imported supplies, minimize shortages and improve timely access to essential hygiene materials throughout the public healthcare system.
The initiative represents another important step in the Government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery and prevent avoidable maternal and child deaths in Sierra Leone.
The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding infection prevention measures and ensuring that hospitals and health facilities nationwide receive the supplies needed to maintain safe and hygienic environments.
