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Why Is The Covid-19 Related Mortality Rate On The Increase In Sierra Leone?

By Dr. Manal Ghazzawi

As of Tuesday 26th May 2020, Sierra Leone records 754 cumulative confirmed positive Covid-19 cases, with a cumulative recovery of 297, and 42 deaths. At this point, it is worrying that we have such a high death rate in Sierra Leone, the highest out of all Mano River Union countries. Can we say it is only due to underfunding by the Ministry of Health and sanitation of Sierra Leone of the public health response system? Is it due to denial by the public that the virus really exists due to inadequate risk communication? It is sad that even before recording the first case in Sierra Leone, we were not really prepared, despite the lessons learnt when Sierra Leone was ravaged by the Ebola outbreak.

I could vividly remember asking a world public health leader of the UK Public Health Rapid Support team “Do you think Sierra Leone is ready to handle another outbreak?” His answer, sadly, was “No”.

We had ample time to have been well equipped in all areas the moment WHO announced Covid-19 to be a pandemic disease, more so when his excellency the president mentioned “It is not a matter of if, but when will Covid-19 reach Sierra Leone”, and he also stated in another speech “We believe as a Government that the best way to deal with a crisis is to prevent a crisis and that the best time to deal with a crisis is to plan well-ahead of that crisis. And that is what we are doing”. I will not go ahead to dwell over spilled milk, but I will say, as a matter of fact, if the government and all Sierra Leoneans do not step up to make a concerted effort in this fight, we are yet to see worse.

Situational Analysis in Sierra Leone

Africa has recorded more than 100,000 cases and, fortunately, Africa’s low mortality rate associated with COVID-19 may be attributed, in part, to 60% of the continents’ population being under the age of 25, according to early analysis by the WHO.

Conferring to the case management pillar of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) and looking at age and gender distribution as well as comorbidities of those dying of Covid-19 in Sierra Leone, so far-the death rate recorded among males between ages 20-39 years is 9%, 40-59 years is 47% and 60-79 years is 46%. On the other hand, for females between ages 20-39 years the death rate recorded is 22%, 40-59 years is 22% (death only occurred at ages 45-59 years) and 60-79 years is 55%. Generally, more males are dying than females and mortality is more prevalent among age brackets 55-59 years and 75-79 years.

Out of all these deaths, as much as 84.6% have comorbidities, while 10.3% have no comorbidities, and 5.1% are unaware of their comorbidities. Approximately 36% are dying as a result of diabetes, 33% as a result of  hypertension, and 16% as a result of HIV. However, Covid-19 deaths among those with hypertension fell at ages 50-69 years. Mortality is hence more prevalent among age brackets 55-59 years, 75-79 years.

What other countries in the region are doing that we are not doing

Senegal is emerging as one of the world’s leaders in the fight against COVID-19. In April, the country has seen a decrease in the number of hospitalized Covid-19 patients. Senegal’s coronavirus-related deaths remain low, and the country has clocked the highest rate of recovery of coronavirus patients in Africa. In March, Senegal embarked on a validation trial on a rapid diagnostic test which only costed their population 1$ to get tested for mass screening exercises that helped with timely identification and response. Ghana is also following a similar trend where hundreds of thousands of people have been tested so far.

Senegal even created robot doctors to prevent transmission of the virus to health care workers. They went further than so many countries in Africa with an innovative app that can provide its public with factual information to mitigate the risk of the spread of fake news – this app is helping to empower its citizens to ensure they are kept abreast of the latest news in this rapidly developing situation. Where are we in Sierra Leone when it comes to research and development (R&D) or to rapidly develop innovative solutions? We are way behind; it is high time for the Government to support and invest in R&D that could not only help in this fight but with the inevitable, potential outbreaks in the future.

Challenges faced causing increased mortality

According to the case management pillar, the first 72 hours of care is overly critical to averting mortality, and that critical care needs availability of quality drugs and other emergency care packages. A senior pharmacist mentioned that “ordinarily in the absence of Covid-19 most patients will pay out of their own pocket for their drugs, the drugs available in the custody of the Government of Sierra Leone are mainly free health care drugs i.e. those for reproductive health and global fund supported commodities (such as those for malaria, TB/leprosy and HIV drugs and related supplies).

Limited supplies of the free health care drugs is being utilized in the Covid-19 response so far, the main donor prefers that these products are not being utilized for this purpose as the beneficiaries of the initiative would eventually continue to need their supplies with or without Covid-19”. This has led to doctors actively involved in this fight even pay out of their pocket to support some Covid-19 infected patients at the treatment centers, more so when basic life-saving drugs are not available the moment it is desperately needed.

On this note, this has led to immense pressure in the “already fragile health system”, to cater for free to the most vulnerable populations that are severely or potentially affected by Covid-19. Notwithstanding that, apart from the lack of a health infrastructure and all resources needed to save lives, there are many social and behavioral issues causing increased death. The fact that Sierra Leoneans are in constant denial about the existence of Covid-19 in the country, will continue to lead to the asymptomatic spread of the infection.

Those who believe Covid-19 exists, are scared to visit hospitals currently and tend to self-medicate either appropriately or inappropriately. There is dire need for research to reveal the secret behind nosocomephobia (fear of hospitals) during an epidemic. Is it due to the lack of trust of the health system? The Ebola outbreak has left many Sierra Leoneans with post-traumatic stress disorders and  unrealistic beliefs and denial, and the same trend seems to be continuing with Covid-19.

Addressing Covid-19 related stigma involves a concerted effort by both, the community and public health officials to assess what people know and don’t know about the disease; to help identify stigmatization; partner with community leaders and groups to address stigma; develop and conduct public messaging and community campaigns to fight stigma; implement practical interventions, skills-building training, and other educational programs to reduce stigma; and last but not the least to evaluate stigma-reducing efforts.

Since diabetes and hypertension are chronic conditions that become a full-time job for affected patients, the tendency for depression to occur is inescapable which could potentially lead to non-compliance to medication. During this pandemic, it is of utmost importance that health care professionals offer patient education on diabetes and hypertension, especially  concerning the importance of regular monitoring (of both blood sugar levels and blood pressure), lifestyle modifications, and medication adherence. This will go a long way in preventing complications of both diseases that have become Covid-19’s “best friends”.

In these crucial times, it is a matter of must for both males and females, aged 50 years and above with hypertension and/or diabetes to regularly monitor their conditions at home, eat healthy and exercise.  Those with prevalent chronic communicable diseases like HIV, TB and/or Hepatitis B should adhere to their drugs or treatment plan since their immune system is compromised. Among those at risk of contracting hepatitis B, vaccination is key.

The use of condoms are highly necessary to prevent sexually transmitted diseases which in turn predisposes you to having HIV. Many researches have confirmed increased surge of HIV cases in the next 2 years, contracting HIV during this pandemic can also increase likelihood of becoming infected with the novel corona virus. Those with respiratory diseases like asthma should avoid triggering factors that might aggravate their situation and regularly take their medications for treatment and prevention of asthmatic attacks.

Most cases arriving at the hospital are deteriorated cases reaching late due to poor health seeking behaviours – this has been the main cause for deaths occurring especially at Connaught Hospital. Poor health seeking behaviours might however not be the only reason but lack of swift response by 117.

The overburdened health care system will face a drastic reduction in mortality rate if  vulnerable populations help themselves be more vigilant about their health.

This fight is only ours; it is a matter of “us” and not “me” let us work hard every day to stay safe and save lives.

Dr. Manal Ghazzawi is a Consultant Clinical Pharmacist, Chief Executive Officer if CitiGlobe and founder of KnowHep Foundation.

 

ACC Hands Over Stolen Vehicle

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a startling revelation this medium learnt that the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission  (ACC), Francis Ben Kaifala Esq, on Tuesday 26th May 2020, handed over to the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Hon. Kabineh Kallon, a white Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep recovered from persons it had been allegedly sold to in Guinea by Madam Khadijatu Olamatu Seisay, the former Deputy Minister of Works. The handing over of the vehicle took place at the ACC Headquarters, 3 Gloucester Street in Freetown.

The said vehicle was the official vehicle and possessed by the former Deputy Minister of Works, Khadijatu Olamatu Seisay, who had purported that the vehicle was stolen by her driver. However, after receiving Intel, the vehicle was later retrieved from Guinea and returned to the ACC since last October. The persons who had it in Guinea unequivocally claim that the vehicle was sold to them by the former Minister and they have intimated to the ACC that they will likely sue her for recovery of their money.

She had been charged with Misappropriation of Government Property before the vehicle was recovered and the matter is proceeding before Justice Bintu Alhadie in the High Court. The ACC has now handed over to the Minister after completion of all administrative processes.

The Deputy Commissioner, ACC, Mr. Augustine Foday Ngobie signed the vehicle away to Hon. Kabineh Kallon  while the key was handed over by the Commissioner in a brief formality outside the ACC Offices.

RSLAF & Ministry of Health Receives Loaned Equipment from US

By Amin Kef Sesay

On May 22, U.S. Ambassador, Maria Brewer, met with the Sierra Leone Deputy Minister of Defense, Colonel (Retired) Muana Brima Massaquoi, to loan vital logistical equipment to the Community Care Center at the Peace Mission Training Center in Hastings.

In support of the ongoing battle against COVID-19 in Sierra Leone, the United States is teaming up with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) in order to meet the specific needs of Sierra Leone at a critical time. As COVID-19 spreads around the world, one key element to minimizing the spread is providing a safe and secure place for positive COVID-19 patients to isolate from the rest of society.  In a large city like Freetown, it is challenging to find the space to create these types of facilities.

Therefore, in conjunction with the RSLAF and MoHS, the United States is lending Sierra Leone peacekeeping and counterterrorism equipment to construct isolation facilities for mildly symptomatic patients. This equipment includes two water purification units, five support vehicles, four ambulances, one water bowser, two generators and 53 tents with cots and bedding.  Additionally, the nonprofit organization, Spirit of America, has donated $3,500 to assist the RSLAF with logistical support.  Spirit of America supports the safety and success of Americans serving abroad and the local people and partners they seek to help.

These efforts offer a prime example of how U.S. long-term investment in security cooperation and peacekeeping-capacity building can pay significant dividends while making a difference when and where it matters most. Security assistance and capacity-building partnerships enable U.S. allies and partners to take charge and respond quickly and decisively to unforeseen crises, like the COVID-19 global pandemic. This collaborative effort is one of many examples that demonstrate why the United States remains the global security partner of choice.  The United States enjoys a warm partnership with Sierra Leone stating how it will continue to stand together during this challenging time.

Dr Sylvia Blyden in Court Tomorrow

Former Minister of Social Welfare in the erstwhile Koroma-led APC Government Dr. Sylvia Blyden

By Foday Moriba Conteh

On the 22nd May, 2020 former Minister of Social Welfare in the erstwhile Koroma-led APC Government, Dr Blyden who was arrested by Police and detained for weeks, appeared at the Magistrate Court where many were expecting that she will be granted bail but those hopes were dashed when the Presiding Magistrate, Hannah Bonnie, refused her bail, due to what was considered as “serious crimes”.

She is charged with ten count offences, ranging from seditious libel, publication of false news, defamatory libel, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, and doing an act tending to pervert the course of justice. The case was adjourned and she is to appear in court tomorrow, Thursday, 28th of May 2020.

Also appearing in court on 22nd May, 2020, was a young child-rights activist – Muckson Sesay, who was arrested immediately following the detention of Dr Blyden.

And, after spending weeks behind bars without charge, he was charged for publishing a picture of Dr Blyden on social media taken when she was being interviewed at CID, a charge which he has denied.

All eyes are now on the Sierra Leone judiciary to see if due process will apply. The burden is on the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and protect  human rights.

Qnet-Sierra Leone Debunks False & Baseless Allegation

Qnet-Sierra Leone

By Amin Kef Sesay

After series of intense investigation mounted by this medium relating to an allegation making the rounds on certain media platforms that about 30 stranded Sierra Leoneans were lured into Ghana and defrauded by certain members of staff of Qnet-Sierra Leone it was established that such an allegation was not valid as it was completely false and has no iota or semblance of truth in it.

However, what came out glaringly was that the act was perpetrated by certain Ghanaian fraudsters, purporting to be working for Qnet-Sierra Leone perpetrated the nefarious act.

The 30 Sierra Leoneans were lured on the pretext of recruiting them into a mining company in Ghana. The Sierra Leoneans arrived in Ghana in February this year after the fraudsters collected $750 from each of them on the pretext to recruit them into an un-existing mining firm, GMC.

They were promised juicy salaries of $500 per month but after arriving in the country, it turned out to be a scam. They realised it was a scam after they arrived at Atwima Nwabiagya South District of the Ashanti region town called Abuakwa Manhyia.

Though some workers of the company were arrested by the Abuakwa Police command after the foreign nationals reported the case, the Sierra Leoneans say the suspects have been freed without forcing them to repay back their money so as to return to their country.

Some of them who spoke to this medium via phone said they hardly make ends meet since they have nothing on them.

A lady, Adama Josephine Sesay, explaining how she got into the country said: “I was back in Sierra Leone and one of my neighbours called me and said he has a job in Ghana for me and he told my dad. So, my dad asked how much he was supposed to pay and he said $1000. Then my daddy gave me the money and transport and I came to Ghana. After two days, I asked the agent where the job he promised was because I will report him to the police but he told me to keep quiet and that when I go to the police they will lock me up because I have nobody here that will fight for me.”

Osman Turay, a surveyor, said he sold his house, sheep and goats to pay for the deal with the aim of coming to Ghana to work and better his life only to turn out to be a scam.

He intimated how he had appealed to certain officials of the Government of Ghana to intervene and help them get their money back and return to their country after the borders are reopened. “I need the Government to help us so that we can get our money back and go back to our country because now I don’t have anything to go back to my country. Even if I go back, the condition is not good because I sold my house, where am I going to stay now?” he lamented.

When officials of Qnet in Sierra Leone were contacted to know if they are aware of any such arrangement as it was associated to their organization they expressed total disbelief saying this is now the second time they have heard of such a scam. They categorically maintained that they are not involved in any form of trafficking people as such is not part of their business plan or mandate. They explained further that it is an unfortunate situation adding that they are admonishing members of the public that whenever anybody or a group of people contact (s) them to transact any financial deal posing as workers of Qnet they must endeavour to contact their office for proper confirmation.

Eco-Tourism Continues to Benefit Communities in the Country

By Sumner Kongbap

Eco-tourism brings people and communities closer to habitat protection and resource management. In the end, communities benefit from job creation to stable livelihoods. Also, ecotourism conserve and help to maintain a balance ecosystem. Declaring the Western Chimpanzees in Sierra Leone as ‘National’ animals will undoubtedly see the protection of these species and boost ecotourism in the country. However, other species in the wild will also benefit as the entire biodiversity will be protected.

The chimpanzee is the new face of tourism in the country meaning more effort is needed to showcase our new face to the world. The protection of chimpanzees and its habitats will not only provide home to these animals; this venture will ensure the protection of the environment from natural disasters resulting to illegal human activities on the environment. Some countries in the world relies heavily on wildlife tourism and Sierra Leone is no exception as the country can boast of amazing species endemic to this part of the world.

Approximately, the country hosts about 5500 chimpanzees. About 98 % of this number faces serious threats from population decline to eventual species extinction if protective measures are not put in place to ensure habitat protection and or restoration. Notwithstanding, Tacugama has over the years fought for the recognition of these animals to be protected by law and the protection of their homes at the same time advocating for environment protection.

Chimpanzee is the flagship programme of the sanctuary. The creation of a safe haven for these orphan chimps mostly traumatized after living in human homes open the door for the protection of all animals in the country. Forests in Sierra Leone are not only home to chimpanzees but other amazing species and plants and maintaining a healthy forest will undoubtedly protect our flora and fauna and to a large extent prevent natural disasters.

Eco-tourism relies heavily on community-partnership in forest and animal protection. The Tacugama community bio-monitoring eco-guards are still patrolling the forests with the aim of securing the forests for animals to live peacefully. They ensure that humans maintain a distance from invading the space of these animals. These bio-monitoring guards work closely with communities in safeguarding their natural resources at all times. In this time of uncertainty, we do need to preserve the integrity of the environment to prevent possible destruction if we are to showcase the beauty of Sierra Leone when the world returns to normalcy after COVID- 19.

As He Searches For Peace And Unity President Bio Should Listen To KKY’s Call for Him to Meet Ernest

President Julius Maada Bio

By Amin Kef Sesay

More than any other time, what Sierra Leone needs desperately to move from a divisive political past that dates back to just after the Lancaster House meeting in London that gave Mama Salone independence in 1961 and the formation of the All People’s Congress is for tolerance, mutual understanding and genuine political dialogue to exist on a sustainable and durable basis between the country’s two political giants – SLPP and APC.

In an attempt to serve as a bridge between these two political juggernauts, whose intolerance and belligerence towards each other has held the country’s development hostage since the 1960s, the leader of the National Grand Coalition Hon. Kandeh Yumkella in an end of Ramadan message called for President Bio to eat the humble pie and invite the APC Chairman and Leader, former President Koroma, who whatever we say commands a formidable national political constituency to dialogue that will eventually pave the way to peace and national reconciliation.

Significantly and notably, Hon. KKY in his message prayed that the Almighty answer our sacrifices and prayers and  grant us the courage and fortitude to rise above our frailties and put Salone Fos and that the Day Eid ul Fitr will bring peace and goodwill onto all on Earth and protect our families and loved ones.

Allow me to share with you, he said, a short prayer I recited some nights during this holy month of Ramadan. It is a supplication of Prophet Musa (Prophet Moses) Alaihi Salam which says: “Rabbi shrah  lii sadri, wa yassir lii amrii wahlul updatam  mil-lisaanii  yafgahuu qawlii” which he said the Sierra Leone National Da’awa Committee has translated as follows: “O my Lord, open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence, contentment, and boldness). Ease my task for me and loose the knot (the defect from tongue that they understand my speech (20:25,28).”

The NGC Leader said he chose this supplication because he worries that they politicians are not bold enough to speak out for justice and peace and have chosen a path of silence in the face of the onslaught of fringe and radical groups calling for tit-for-tat, and strong arm tactics to settle complex societal problems rather than statesmanship, reconciliation, and accommodation.

He prayed that the Almighty grants us the courage to stand for what is right even when it concerns people or groups who have gravely wronged us in the past, noting that, as Nelson Mandela once said “reconciliation does not mean forgetting or trying to bury the pain of conflict. Reconciliation means working together to correct the legacy of past injustice.”

I want to use this occasion of Eid Mubarak, Hon. KKY said, to make a clarion call on the Leadership of all Political Parties and Civil Society Organizations in the country to join the NGC in a sustained effort to bring about peace and stability in our country by de-escalating the ongoing tensions and promoting rapprochement and Reconciliation in the coming weeks so that we, as a united nation, can work together to defeat COVID-19 and save the lives of people.

It is on that basis that at the end of his message the NGC leader said: “Mr. President should also heed the call by civil society groups and myself for an invitation to His Excellency Ernest Bai Koroma to join the COVID-19 fight.”

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary Hit by COVID-19

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

By Foday Moriba Conteh

It has been widely established that tourism is one of the income generating avenues in the country and eco-tourism has gradually transformed from people wanting to only spend time at the beach; apparently they are now willing to spend time in nature. This transformation is the new face of tourism in Sierra Leone.

However, the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019 that has killed hundreds of thousands of people across the globe is not only wedging a knife into the social fabric of nations but also its economy, and developing nations such as Sierra Leone is hugely affected and Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary an eco-tourism destination is feeling the brunt of the pandemic. Inasmuch as chimpanzees have not been recorded to have contracted the virus, it is but wise and safe to not expose them to infectious diseases as they are like humans and share 98.6 per cent DNA meaning they can be infected just like humans and ultimately die.

The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to 98 orphan chimps rescued from human homes as a result of hunting, the by-product of Bushmeat – the pet trade, and the fight for co-existence with humans in limited forest cover with a bulk of their homes lost to massive clearing for human purposes.  Meanwhile, it has been proven through research that a majority of chimpanzees in the country the ‘national’ animal of Sierra Leone are living outside of protected areas and are at the mercy of hunters, poachers and land-grabbers.

In the light of the above, programmes were implemented by the sanctuary to educate and raise public awareness on the importance of the western chimpanzees in the country not limited to environment and habitat protection. The sanctuary relies heavily on visitors and lodgers visiting or spending a night at the sanctuary to upkeep 40 local staff and 98 chimpanzees. Proceeds were highly appreciated in complementing the running cost of the sanctuary. The annual cost to care for a chimp at the sanctuary is estimated to a thousand United States Dollars.

Chimpanzees at the sanctuary are confined in a space that could be more when in the forest their natural home and as such Tacugama has to cater for them adequately for healthy living.  The closure of the only sanctuary in the country responsible for providing safe haven to orphan chimps is not only loosing revenues from sanctuary activities and events, but halting the rescue and protection of these animals desperately in need of support. It will take many months before Tacugama welcomes its visitors to the sanctuary. Tacugama will return to its normal income generation strides in 2021 considering the spate at which corona is affecting lives and economies.

Meanwhile, under the current situation the sanctuary is working tirelessly to maintain staff and provide for the chimpanzees with limited funds. Scientists have proven that wildlife’s are host to viruses that can live with these animals naturally. Therefore they are carriers and can cause an outbreak of an infectious and deadly disease when they come in contact with humans and in turn infect them.

Tacugama is strongly maintaining a safe and healthy environment for its staff and chimpanzees amid the transmission of corona in the country.  To the victims of corona ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with in this challenging time, you are not alone.’ To Sierra Leoneans, we say ‘together we will overcome, please avoid crowded places, and wash hands frequently with clean water and soap and mask up.’

Solomon Jamiru Clears the Air Over COVID-19 Testing

Spokesperson of the National Covid-19 Emergency Response Center (NACOVERC) Solomon Jamiru Esq

By Amin Kef Sesay

Presently, there are rumours making the rounds that the testing being used by medical practitioners to determine whether a suspected individual is showing signs of having contracted the coronavirus is positive or negative is highly questionable. In other words, some are harbouring the notion that the testing done on individuals to prove that they are positive or negative is very uncertain.

This expressed doubt came in the wake of the return of some Sierra Leoneans from Kuwait who were said to have tested negative when tested in Kuwait where they were transported to Sierra Leone but when tested here the result proved that they were positive.

This created a lot of tongue wagging that our testing mechanism is not proper especially fuelled by those who are denying that the coronavirus does not exist but some Government officials are saying it does and it is a calculated ploy to get access to donor funding.

In order to clear the air, Spokesperson of the National Covid-19 Emergency Response Center (NACOVERC) Solomon Jamiru Esq debunked that such is a negative thinking.

He made it abundantly clear to this medium that firstly, Sierra Leone uses only the WHO-approved PCR test kits unlike other countries who choose to use the Rapid Test Kit which he stated  is not an approved test kit by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Jamiru furthered that Ghana is yet to carry out their own test of their returnees which, he said, is an authoritative information from their colleagues in Ghana.

“We in Sierra Leone must learn to trust our own professionals. Even as we have our own challenges, like all other countries, we happen to be doing the right thing in the midst of difficult resources constraints,” he admonished.

In a very serious and matter of the fact mood the retired Jamiru intimated that it is a shame that we continue to cry down our professionals and institutions  perpetually as long as some people are not directly participating. He firmly underscored that whether someone holds an office or not, however, in this fight against the virus, we are all in this together.

He disclosed that some countries in the sub region have even simply stopped contact tracing let alone carry out tests saying that if they do, they rather go in for the cheaper  RDT which already has a very high margin of error.

“Kuwait used the Rapid Test Kits at their airport just before throwing out our nationals. Have you asked yourselves how come every single one of them is negative?” he asked reaffirming that we must learn to respect our professionals.

He said the pandemic is not a local or national issue but it is global and is under the watchful eyes of the WHO.

The Spokesman revealed that Sierra Leone uses the best test kits which are PCR test kits that is approved by the WHO were as the Kuwaiti authorities use the RDT kits which are not approved by the WHO.

He underscored that the information that was circulating on social media as coming from Ghana is simply fake and appealed for a change of our attitudes which he stressed for now is not taking us anywhere.

It could be recalled that 284 samples obtained, and 270 analysed, it was announced that 86 positive cases were reported during the 11am EOC Press update.

Shortly afterwards, EOC officials had the cause to announce 14 more positive cases based on the remaining 14 samples analysed (total of 100 positive cases). 67 of those were attributed to the Kuwait repatriation, and 19 (Western Urban), 5 (Western Rural), 1 (Tonkolili), 1 (Kambia), 6 (Bo), 1 (Kono).

He said Sierra Leonean citizens were repatriated from Kuwait, and they were received wholeheartedly. Upon their arrival, the mandatory quarantine was activated, and all necessary protocols matching their situation applied. They were tested on the first day of quarantine.

For the first time since Sierra Leone recorded its index on March 30, questions were raised about Sierra Leone’s COVID-19 testing regime.

According to the Spokesperson of COVID-19 Response ,Solomon Jamiru,  healthcare systems all over the world have adopted two dominant testing paths -PCR and Serologic tests. He said the first is what is done in the country (collecting swabs from nose/throat and analysing samples in laboratories).

He added that such is used to establish whether or not someone has the coronavirus maintaining that if someone does, he or she is isolated and treated.

“This is the viral test for a current infection and by the way, Sierra Leone’s testing is of good standard and used to detect nuclear materials. We are not yet doing the serologic (antibody tests) that some others are doing. This antibody test merely determines whether someone had the virus and has recovered as opposed to our brand of test which tells us that you do have the virus or not. So, antibody test may tell us whether a lot of us may have had the virus and recovered without even knowing it,” he elucidated.

Jamiru noted that close attention is paid to national quality assurance broadly revealing how our virologists and lab technicians are highly acclaimed, and have a dedicated team they work with.

“If a sample is analysed and result shows positive, they seek to ensure the positive predictive value (that is, a high probability that a person who has a positive screening test, is indeed positive). If someone’s screening test shows negative, they will similarly establish the threshold of that predictive value. If tests are run and they show ‘indeterminate’, there will be a re-run to establish specificity. That’s the kind of team we have at the National Covid-19 Emergency Response Center (NACOVERC),” its Spokesman Solomon Jamiru pointed out.

He said they seek diagnostic accuracy -not the most perfect of systems saying that is the case the world over pointing out that for a positive case to be declared, someone’s RNA (turned into DNA) has to match the genetic code of SARS Coronavirus 2.

He also said that it may be the case that testing standards, more so regarding cycle threshold (CT) value, may be set slightly differently from country to country.

“We see the testing menu expanding, and several recipes developed by different countries to address the evolving coronavirus genetic profile. Whatever testing brand a country adopts, there are sensitivities. It is possible for test kits from different countries or brand to show different sensitivities, and we have seen several countries express concerns over test kits and results based on several factors,” he continued.

He said with the 100 positive cases recorded in Sierra Leone in 24 hours (67 attributed to the Kuwait repatriation), it’s too early to cast aspersions due to any variance in results.

Jamiru said there is need for deeper technical examination of the issue, which would warrant sharing our testing models and experiences with others, and learning from theirs as well (including what thresholds and kits are being used) maintaining how such is the position of NACOVERC.

“We believe that our experts working at the Labs and those collecting samples are some of the most dedicated and professional people who are giving their best to address infections and break the chain of transmission and we also continue to use what is the recommended standard. With respect to the Kuwaiti repatriation positive cases, let me say again, our experts are at work, and they have always had the culture of ascertaining veracity -and the 100 cases shall never escape that compelling necessity. With a disease that keeps evolving, and testing recipes expanding (different models seemingly applying in different places), we need time to unravel the puzzle. I choose to trust our lab professionals and testing systems,” he concluded.

NP-SL Untiring Efforts to Offer the Best in Petroleum Products is Breath-Taking

By Amin Kef Sesay

In this country, the most outstanding and widely recognized petroleum entity that is doing well within the business landscape of this country is indisputably the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd). The company has gained both internal and international recognition for its efficient service delivery to its many esteemed customers. It is therefore no big surprise for the well-established company to be bagging commendations, accolades and awards from reputable institutions in and out of the country.

One thing which has made NP-SL Ltd to stand tall among other entities hinges on putting premium on effective customer care delivery. The company is highly distinguished for being 1st for Customer Care, as it strives to give optimal satisfaction to its esteemed customers right across the country. In all its petroleum transactions the company does so transparently as it has modern calibrated machines at all its Filling Stations which are highly capable of pumping and displaying the exact quantity of fuel demanded for, be it petrol or diesel, as well as the price. This gives buyers the feeling that they are not cheated when purchasing fuel.

In the same direction, the company has good, up and running tanker vehicles which transport fuel from the fuel depot to the various Filling Stations everywhere in the country. Maintenance is always done on these vehicles to ensure that they are road worthy; something which the Management of the company takes very serious. The importance of regularly doing so is to really ensure that petroleum products are timely delivered to various parts of the country in order to prevent the occurrence of any form of shortage that may affect daily activities and lives.

A company that was established by thirty-five (35) Sierra Leoneans years back, it was made a laid down policy by the Shareholders and Management of the company that special preference must be given to indigenes who have the requisite qualifications in terms of job opportunities. Interestingly, this decision is in tandem with the country’s Local Content Policy which aims at making use of our local resources, both human and material, instead of depending on external resources. This has made it possible for indigenes, who were hitherto unemployed, to now be gainfully employed and be at vantage positions to take care of individual responsibilities. With all amount of justification it could be said that NP-SL is a very caring business entity.

The company has set the pace of expanding its operations in the West African sub-region by establishing branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and the Gambia where they are effectively marketing petroleum products. By doing so it is providing job opportunities for locals in those countries and by extension regularly paying taxes to the Governments of those countries which are used to fund different development projects.

This bold step undertaken by the company is a mark of a company a serious entity that is taking business to a higher pedestal.

NP-SL is very notable for making available NP Smart Card and introducing NP Gas. In this modern age when efforts are being made to operate cashless societies and going digital there is no other moment than this when transactions in petroleum products should not follow suit. With the NP Smart Card, a particular customer could purchase fuel via using the card, just stating the quantity required which is debited from the amount in the card. The customer can credit it again in order to make future purchases. The biggest advantage is that a customer can properly schedule or budget for the amount of fuel he or she will need over time, meaning that he or she has saved the headache of having to raise cash for the sole purpose of fuelling his or her vehicle. Using the card makes it less time consuming to buy fuel and prevents the movement of physical cash which maybe a customer could use for another emerging need or the cash could be stolen. NP Smart Card is now trending and many are now going for it.

With NP Gas, the cooking needs of individuals are easily solved as it is quick in terms of performance as a cooker. Environmentalists have validated its safety in terms of less emission of dangerous gases and it is manufactured in different cylinder sizes, very portable and easily refilled by purchasing gas at the company’s Filling Stations or its authorized dealers.

With all amount of justification, NP-SL is a thriving company among the myriad challenges it is surmounting. The company is indeed a true development partner that is positively contributing to the socio-economic development of individuals, entities and the country as a whole.

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