The National Public Health Agency (NPHA), in collaboration with the Independent Media Commission (IMC), has trained journalists on emergency preparedness and responsible reporting as Sierra Leone strengthens precautionary measures against the potential threat of Ebola.
The one-day training, held on Wednesday, 21st October 2026, at the NPHA headquarters on Wilkinson Road in Freetown, aimed to improve accurate reporting, strengthen cooperation between health authorities and journalists and prevent misinformation during public health emergencies.
Addressing participants, NPHA Executive Director, Professor Foday Sahr, assured the public that Sierra Leone’s preparedness activities are precautionary and do not indicate an Ebola outbreak in the country.
“Preparedness should not be mistaken for panic,” Professor Foday Sahr stated, explaining that surveillance and response mechanisms had been strengthened following Ebola-related developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and a reported case in Nigeria.
Professor Foday Sahr disclosed that Sierra Leone’s overall Ebola preparedness score had increased from 51 percent to 83 percent following a reassessment on 8th October 2026.
He explained that infection prevention and control capacity had improved from 18 percent to 82 percent, while preparedness for safe and dignified burials increased from 20 percent to 73 percent. Contact tracing and risk communication capacities had each reached 84 percent.
Professor Foday Sahr further revealed that the national laboratory could now confirm Ebola infections within three hours without sending samples abroad. Screening measures had also been strengthened at airports, seaports and official land crossings, supported by rapid response teams.
He urged individuals experiencing fever, severe weakness, vomiting or diarrhoea following possible exposure to Ebola to seek immediate assistance through the national emergency number, 117.
Highlighting the media’s role, Professor Foday Sahr encouraged journalists to distinguish suspected cases from confirmed infections, verify information and avoid sensational reporting capable of creating unnecessary fear.
Presenting the Guidelines on Media Coverage and Reportage During Public Health Emergencies, IMC Executive Secretary Khalil Kallon urged journalists to uphold professional ethics, accuracy and fairness when covering disease outbreaks.
Khalil Kallon explained that the guidelines, informed by lessons from previous emergencies, including COVID-19, were designed to guide journalists, editors and media owners in responsible reporting.
He cautioned against misinformation, unverified social media claims and sensational headlines, stressing the importance of protecting the privacy and dignity of affected individuals, particularly children and vulnerable groups.
Khalil Kallon also encouraged media institutions to engage qualified health professionals, dedicate airtime to public education and strengthen editorial oversight of live programmes.
Deputy Minister of Health II, Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha, called for stronger cooperation among Government institutions, healthcare workers, journalists and communities to prevent Ebola and ensure an effective response if cases emerged.
Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha emphasized that lessons from the 2014 Ebola outbreak had strengthened national preparedness but warned that essential healthcare services must continue during emergencies.
She urged community leaders, religious authorities and families to report suspected illnesses promptly and encouraged citizens not to panic or avoid health facilities.
The training concluded with renewed calls for responsible journalism, community cooperation and sustained collaboration to strengthen Sierra Leone’s public health emergency preparedness.
