Sierra Leone achieved a significant milestone in strengthening t public health emergency response capabilities by training and certifying 72 public health rapid emergency responders, ready for deployment within 24-48 hours within and outside the country. This training is a key component of the World Health Organization's (WHO) broader strategy to build resilient health systems across Africa, reducing the strain on national health systems and preventing severe socio-economic disruptions associated with public health emergencies.

Public health threats such as disease outbreaks, disasters and humanitarian emergencies are a persistent challenge across Africa, with over 100 events annually. Sierra Leone, in particular, suffered severely during the 2014-15 Ebola outbreak and later the COVID-19 pandemic, which overwhelmed its health systems and caused widespread socio-economic damage. Ebola exposed significant gaps in the country's public health infrastructure, overwhelming the system and causing thousands of deaths including frontline healthcare workers. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the need for ongoing training and a multidisciplinary response team to manage future threats effectively.

The Ministry of Health Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sartie Kenneh, reflecting on past experiences in responding to health emergencies, stated, "the journey we've undertaken is just beginning, but with the dedication of our team, I am confident we will succeed. Your commitment to serving humanity, even in the face of immense challenges, is commendable."

In response to the regional health emergencies challenges, WHO launched three flagship initiatives to build capacity and improve preparedness across the continent. These initiatives include the Promoting Resilience of Systems for Emergencies (PROSE) focusing on preparedness, Transforming African Surveillance Systems (TASS) focusing on detection, and the - Strengthening and Utilizing Response Groups for Emergencies (SURGE) focusing on response. 

WHO played a crucial role, working with MOH and other partners, in developing and validating the national roadmap for this initiative in Sierra Leone, ensuring alignment with global best practices and the specific needs of the country.

The successful implementation of the AVoHC-SURGE initiative in Sierra Leone was made possible through financial support from Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and strong collaboration between WHO, Africa CDC, US CDC, and USAID. These partners provided essential guidance, resources, and technical support, enabling Sierra Leone to rapidly identify and train suitable candidates for the program.

Dr. Robert Musoke the WHO Country Office Health Emergencies and Preparedness (EPR) Cluster Lead while representing the WHO Representative, Dr Innocent Nuwagira, proudly noted, "Over the past six weeks, we've made remarkable progress, with seventy-two dedicated individuals now ready to be deployed at a moment's notice, both within our country and beyond. As we move forward, we will continue to maintain our readiness and knowledge, ensuring that when the call comes, we are prepared to act swiftly and efficiently."

The selection process identified 98 participants from diverse backgrounds, and from multiple sectors of government. These individuals underwent one-month intensive training over two phases: from June 17th to July 2nd, 2024, and from July 21st to August 3rd, 2024. The training emphasized a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together participants from various ministries, departments, and agencies to work as a cohesive team.

In addition to disease outbreaks, the training prepared participants to handle other public health crises, such as humanitarian disasters and climate-related emergencies, which are common across the continent. Critical issues like gender-based violence, psychological preparedness, and stress management were also addressed to ensure responders are equipped to manage both the human and technical aspects of crises.

Professor Adebola Olayinka, the WHO AFRO AVoHC-SURGE Coordinator and Lead Facilitator, highlighted the importance of these efforts: "Through dedication and collaboration, we’ve transformed our capacity to respond to public health emergencies. The AVoHC SURGE Training not only equipped these responders with vital skills but also built a network of resilience and readiness."

The training concluded with practical drills where participants, organized into groups of six, demonstrated their skills and competences. A graduation ceremony followed, certifying the 72 successful trainees, with key stakeholders from various ministries and agencies, including Agriculture, Environment and Climate Change, Health, Defense, National Disaster Management Agency, National Fire Force, and collaborating partners such as Africa CDC, US CDC, and USAID in attendance. 

Among the beneficiaries, Dr. Sarah Kadijatu Conteh, Medical Superintendent of the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital, expressed her gratitude, saying, "The training has significantly enhanced my knowledge in working within a multidisciplinary team and boosted my confidence in handling outbreaks. I am deeply thankful for this opportunity and extend my sincere appreciation to the government, WHO and US CDC for their invaluable support."

With the support of WHO and other partners, Sierra Leone has made remarkable strides in strengthening its public health emergency response capabilities. The training and certification of 72 SURGE personnel is a critical step towards ensuring the country’s resilience and readiness to respond public health threats in the future. As Dr. Kenneh affirmed, "We now have the critical mass to respond effectively, ensuring our country remains resilient and capable." 

This progress contributes to a stronger, more resilient Africa, better prepared to safeguard public health across the continent.

For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, please contact:

SHARKAH Madlyn

National Communication Officer
WHO Sierra Leone
Email: sharkahm [at] who.int (sharkahm[at]who[dot]int)