The READS

Vector-borne and zoonotic risks emerge before cases appear.

Mpox transmission documented between rope squirrels and sooty mangabey monkeys shows that spillover risk is at forest–community levelsl, not only borders (Riutord-Fe et al., 2026).

In Sierra Leone, these species are hunted and handled at forest edges as part of daily life. Risk accumulates quietly through routine activity, outside formal surveillance.

The Research Education And Development Synergy Sierra Leone (The READS) is a youth-led, community-based organisation working in One Health research and education. It is proposing a pilot programme "TheREADS One Health Research & Education Summer Camp," to be held from 24–29 April at Tiwai Island, a tropical rainforest, and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The programme trains secondary school and university students to observe environmental change, document early climatic and zoonotic risk signals, and report ethically before outbreaks occur, adding an upstream layer to preparedness.

A short concept note is attached outlining the approach and opportunities for partnership and sponsorship. Concept note: https://lnkd.in/dWJzB5RB

The evidence prompting the approach https://lnkd.in/d2FS2fCt

U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone UNICEF Sierra Leone UNFPA Sierra Leone UNDP in Sierra Leone Africanews Africa CDC World Health Organization (WHO)