Sierra Digest

Sierra Leone Issues Public Health Alert Over Rising Measles Cases

Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency (NPHA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has issued a nationwide public alert following a growing outbreak of measles affecting several districts across the country.

According to an official press release issued on Wednesday, health authorities confirmed that 41 measles cases were recorded between January and April 2026 across eight districts, with a national test positivity rate of 75 percent.

Western Area Urban, including Freetown, has emerged as the most affected region, accounting for 15 confirmed cases. Health officials noted a sharp increase in April alone, during which nine cases were reported, raising concerns about active community transmission.

The NPHA warned that measles remains a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or breathe near others. Authorities stressed that the disease can lead to severe illness and death, particularly among young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health and the NPHA are urging members of the public to seek immediate medical attention if they or their children develop symptoms associated with measles, including high fever, red watery eyes, runny nose, cough, and skin rash.

Health authorities also encouraged parents and guardians to ensure that children receive the two free doses of the measles vaccine available at government health facilities nationwide.

Officials advised families to keep sick children away from schools and crowded public spaces while avoiding self-medication or reliance on traditional remedies that do not treat the disease.

Citizens have additionally been encouraged to report suspected cases to the nearest health facility or through the government’s toll-free emergency line, 117.

As part of the emergency response, the government says field teams are already being deployed to affected communities, particularly in Western Area Urban and other impacted districts, to identify and manage cases.

The NPHA also announced plans to conduct ring vaccination campaigns around confirmed infections in an effort to interrupt further transmission. Authorities say infection prevention and control measures are also being strengthened at healthcare facilities across the country.

Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency, Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr, assured the public that there is no cause for panic, emphasizing that measles is both preventable and treatable when detected early.

“We urge all communities to cooperate with health authorities and act promptly to protect their families,” the statement said.

The outbreak has renewed attention on vaccination coverage and public health preparedness in Sierra Leone, with health experts warning that declining immunisation rates could increase the risk of further spread if urgent preventive measures are not maintained.

President Bio Highlights Agricultural Push as Feed Salone Campaign Gains Momentum

President Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transforming Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector, declaring that the country is rapidly scaling up domestic food production through stronger partnerships with private investors and commercial farmers.

Speaking during a visit to P*e Cee Agriculture in Lungi, the President toured large onion fields and described the project as a clear example of how public-private collaboration can help reduce Sierra Leone’s dependence on imported food while creating jobs for local communities.

“I kicked off my day witnessing firsthand how our partnership with the private sector is revolutionizing farming,” President Bio said during remarks captured on-site by Sierra Digest. “We are drastically cutting down onion imports and creating vital jobs for our communities. Feed Salone is scaling up rapidly — and we are eager to team up with more private sector partners to feed Salone.”

The President’s comments come amid ongoing efforts under the government’s “Feed Salone” initiative, a flagship programme aimed at boosting local food production, improving food security, and strengthening agricultural value chains across the country.

For decades, Sierra Leone has relied heavily on imported agricultural products, including onions, rice, and other staple foods — a dependence critics say has exposed the country to rising global food prices and supply chain disruptions.

Government officials argue that expanding commercial farming operations could significantly reduce import costs while opening new employment opportunities for young people in rural communities.

The onion project in Lungi is increasingly being presented by authorities as a model for future agricultural investment, particularly in areas with strong irrigation potential and access to transport infrastructure.

Supporters of the initiative say the visible growth of local farms reflects a broader shift toward self-sufficiency and economic diversification under the Bio administration.

“This is not only about agriculture,” one official close to the project said. “It is about building local industries, empowering farmers, and keeping more money circulating within Sierra Leone’s economy.”

However, some analysts caution that long-term success will depend on sustained investment, access to financing for local farmers, storage facilities, transportation networks, and consistent government support beyond high-profile visits and announcements.

Agriculture remains one of Sierra Leone’s largest sources of employment, yet many farmers continue to face challenges including poor road access, limited mechanisation, climate-related risks, and rising production costs.

Despite those concerns, the government insists the Feed Salone strategy is beginning to deliver measurable results and attract growing private sector interest.

As images from the President’s visit continue circulating online, many Sierra Leoneans are now debating whether the country may finally be on the path toward becoming not just a consumer of imported food, but a competitive agricultural producer within the region.

For supporters of the initiative, the message from Lungi was clear: Sierra Leone intends to feed itself — and perhaps eventually export to others.

Security and peacebuilding priority (focused on challenges and resolve)

In a productive session held this morning, the Government met with Dr. Mamadou Tangara, the African Union Commission's Special Representative for Mali and the Sahel and Head of MISAHEL.
Serving presently as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the Government reaffirmed its resolute commitment to proactive, constructive engagement in tackling the ongoing security threats confronting the Sahel region.
Such exchanges reinforce collective resolve to advance peacebuilding, counter instability, and safeguard the well-being of communities throughout West Africa and the broader Sahel.