By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
The Freetown City Council has launched a two-day training programme for frontline health workers as part of efforts to curb the rising health risks linked to extreme heat across the capital.
The initiative, rolled out under the Enhancing Heat-Health in Freetown Project, targets 500 healthcare workers and aims to improve early detection, treatment, and management of heat-related conditions in hospitals and clinics.
The programme is being delivered in collaboration with HB Ltd, the Ministry of Health’s Directorate of Environmental Health, the Western Area Urban District Health Management Team, and with support from C40 Cities.
According to FCC, the training is a key component of the city’s broader climate resilience strategy. It also seeks to integrate heat-health protocols into routine healthcare and strengthen preparedness within health facilities.
Officials said Freetown is experiencing increased heat exposure due to rapid urbanisation, shrinking green spaces, and climate change. The city’s Heat Action Plan notes that children, the elderly, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and residents in densely populated communities are most at risk.
Health experts at the training warned that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. They stressed that timely recognition and treatment are critical to saving lives.
“Building the capacity of our health workers ensures that our facilities are ready to respond and that communities receive accurate advice on staying safe during heatwaves,” an FCC spokesperson said.
The project aligns with Freetown’s adaptation agenda, which includes early warning systems, public education, and emergency coordination. Freetown made international headlines as the first African city to appoint a Chief Heat Officer to lead heat mitigation efforts.
Beyond healthcare, FCC said it will continue rolling out measures to reduce urban temperatures. These include tree planting, expanding access to drinking water, installing cooling infrastructure, and creating shaded areas for workers and residents.
City authorities described the partnership with government and international bodies as vital to building a healthier, more climate-resilient Freetown.
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