By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
Sierra Leone has made significant progress in its battle against HIV/AIDS, recording a remarkable 73% decrease in AIDS-related fatalities, according to Dr. Sulaiman Lakoh, Director of Disease Prevention and Control. This announcement was made at a media breakfast event on November 29, 2025, in recognition of World AIDS Day.
Dr. Lakoh revealed that the annual deaths from AIDS have plummeted from 4,000 to 1,084, marking a decline of over 2,900 deaths in recent years. He attributed this success to enhanced efforts in the national HIV response, noting that the current prevalence of the virus stands at 1.7%, indicating that approximately 2 out of every 100 people in Sierra Leone are living with HIV.
In addition to the reduction in mortality rates, the country has also achieved a 43% decrease in mother-to-child transmission of HIV from 2022 to 2025—a development Dr. Lakoh deemed “highly encouraging.” “These achievements demonstrate that progress is possible when science, policy, and community action align,” he emphasized. However, he cautioned that challenges remain, including limited funding, inadequate sample transport systems, and persistent stigma surrounding HIV testing and treatment.
Dr. Lakoh reassured the public regarding the safety and effectiveness of HIV medications, urging individuals to seek testing and care without fear. “Managing HIV today is less complex than managing malaria or diabetes,” he stated.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Health, the National HIV & AIDS Secretariat (NAS), World Vision, and AHF Sierra Leone, featured contributions from key partners in the HIV response. Mrs. Jane Kalweo, UNAIDS Country Director, highlighted the global context, stating that 40.8 million people worldwide are living with HIV, with 1.4 million in Africa. She stressed the necessity of universal access to testing and treatment.
Philippe Guiton, National Director of World Vision, called for a child-centered approach to HIV prevention and emphasized the media’s crucial role in raising awareness and reducing stigma around the virus.
Abdularahman Chernor Sesay, Director General of NAS, concluded the event by reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to ending AIDS by 2030. He emphasized that achieving this goal requires collaborative efforts across all sectors of society.
Despite the notable progress made in reducing mortality and transmission rates, experts recognize that significant challenges persist. Nonetheless, Dr. Lakoh’s optimistic perspective reinforces the notion that, with ongoing partnership and public engagement, Sierra Leone is well-positioned to reach the global objective of ending AIDS by 2030.
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