By Amin Kef-Ranger
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), has reassured citizens that the country remains free of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), while outlining a series of preparedness and preventive measures aimed at safeguarding public health amid an outbreak reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a public advisory issued on 17 May 2026, the National Public Health Agency emphasized that Sierra Leone currently has no confirmed, suspected or probable cases of Ebola Virus Disease, stressing that the nation remains Ebola-free.
According to the Government, an active Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain has been declared in Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with reports indicating 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths as of 17 May 2026. Authorities also noted that Uganda has recorded one confirmed imported death linked to the outbreak, although no local transmission has been reported there.
The advisory highlighted that while the risk of regional spread remains elevated, Sierra Leone’s current risk level is assessed as low. However, mindful of the devastating experience of the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak, the Government stated that proactive measures are already underway to prevent any possible importation of the disease.
To strengthen national preparedness, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) has been activated at a heightened readiness level, while the National Emergency Health Committee has also been convened to coordinate preventive efforts.
Government further disclosed that enhanced screening measures have been intensified at major entry points, including the Lungi International Airport, Freetown Harbour and land border crossings in Kambia, Gbalamuya and Kailahun.
Additionally, authorities confirmed that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), isolation materials and rapid diagnostic tools have been pre-positioned in the Western Area and key border districts to ensure swift response in the event of any suspected case.
Rapid Response Teams have also been placed on standby across all sixteen districts of the country, while Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols have been reinforced at strategic health facilities nationwide.
The National Public Health Agency further noted that Sierra Leone continues to work closely with regional and international partners, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the World Health Organization (WHO) and counterpart institutions in the DRC, Uganda, Guinea and Liberia.
As part of public guidance, citizens have been urged to immediately call the emergency toll-free number 117 if they or anyone they know develops symptoms such as sudden fever, severe headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rash or unexplained bleeding, particularly following recent travel from the Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda.
The Government also advised against unnecessary travel to Ebola-affected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda and cautioned the public against handling blood or bodily fluids of individuals showing signs of unexplained haemorrhagic illness.
Citizens have further been encouraged to maintain regular handwashing practices using soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers and to rely solely on official Government communication channels, including the National Public Health Agency, Ministry of Health and Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), for verified updates.
In a special appeal to health workers, the Government called for heightened vigilance in identifying suspected haemorrhagic fever cases, especially among persons with travel history from affected countries. Health workers were urged to immediately report any suspected cases to their respective District Health Management Teams or through the emergency line 117.
The National Public Health Agency stressed that healthcare professionals should strictly observe standard infection prevention and control procedures and avoid managing suspected Ebola cases in unprepared facilities, instead activating isolation measures and contacting Rapid Response Teams for immediate support.
Reaffirming Government’s commitment to public safety, Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency, Brigadier General Professor Foday Sahr, assured citizens that Sierra Leone is fully prepared and called on the public to remain calm, alert and cooperative in the collective effort to keep the country safe from Ebola.
“Sierra Leone is Ebola-Free,” the Government emphasized, while encouraging citizens to stay informed and remain vigilant without panic.
