By Saidu Jalloh D.S
FREETOWN — Sierra Leone’s preparedness against Ebola and Marburg virus diseases has received a major boost following the donation of 480 PCR test kits and about 500 extraction materials by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The consignment was donated to the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) to strengthen the country’s capacity for early detection and rapid response to potential outbreaks.
Presenting the materials, WHO Country Representative, Dr. George Ameh, said the support is aimed at enhancing Sierra Leone’s laboratory readiness and emergency response systems.
Receiving the items on behalf of the NPHA and the Ministry of Health, the Executive Director, Prof. Brig-Gen. Dr. Foday Sahr, expressed appreciation to WHO for the timely intervention, noting that the supplies would complement existing national stocks.
He disclosed that over 300 test kits have already been prepositioned at hospitals across the country, with about 495 kits at the Kenema Government Hospital and approximately 560 reagents currently in stock.
According to the NPHA, the newly donated materials will further strengthen laboratory capacity, improve early detection and enhance overall national preparedness against any potential outbreak of Ebola and Marburg.
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