Latest news with #Freetown
Russia Today
a day ago
- Business
- Russia Today
Sierra Leone to host Russian fishing fleet under new deal
Sierra Leone's government is prepared to grant Russian fishing operators an annual catch quota of 40,000 tons, along with investment incentives aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation in the sector, the Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo) has announced. The agency said the move was discussed during the inaugural session of the Russian-Sierra Leone Fisheries Commission held in Freetown, the capital of the West African country. 'The country [Sierra Leone] is interested in attracting up to 20 vessels to work in its exclusive economic zone,' Rosrybolovstvo wrote on its official Telegram channel. According to the statement, scientists from the two countries previously conducted marine biology research to assess the biomass and distribution of small pelagic fish species as part of the Great African Expedition launched by Rosrybolovstvo last August. The two sides are expected to launch detailed negotiations on operations in Sierra Leonean waters once research data is processed and interest by fishing companies in specific fish stocks and other marine resources is evaluated. Rosrybolovstvo added that the African country is also seeking cooperation with Moscow on port development, fleet modernization, and investment in coastal refrigeration and oversight systems. Russia's engagement in Africa has intensified in recent years, with several nations seeking joint projects with Moscow in defense, energy, education, and trade. The Kremlin has declared strengthening ties with the continent a top foreign-policy priority. In January, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed plans for new embassies to be established in several African nations, including Sierra Leone. For now, the Consulate General in Freetown remains Russia's primary diplomatic representation in the country. A series of agreements have been signed in recent weeks between Russia and African countries, including peaceful nuclear energy cooperation deals with Burkina Faso and Mali covering infrastructure development and joint projects in healthcare and agriculture. On Wednesday, TASS quoted Sierra Leonean ambassador to Russia Mohamed Yongawo as saying that his country seeks cooperation with Russian IT firms such as Yandex, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare. He reportedly made the remarks during a plenary session at the XVI International IT Forum in the central Russian city of Khanty-Mansiysk.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Sierra Leone advances pandemic preparedness with operationalisation of the Pandemic Fund
Sierra Leone has entered a critical phase in strengthening its pandemic preparedness and response capacities, officially flagging-off the operationalisation of the Pandemic Fund. This milestone signals the country's continued commitment to protecting communities and contributing to global health security. The project is led by the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), with the World Health Organization (WHO) serving as the lead implementing entity. Other key implementing partners include the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF and the World Bank, reflecting a multi-sectoral, One Health approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Sierra Leone's successful application to the highly competitive Pandemic Fund demonstrates the Government's growing leadership in global health security. This achievement was made possible through sustained collaboration, with WHO and partners providing technical guidance to shape a proposal aligned with international standards and responsive to national health priorities. The Pandemic Fund offers a transformative opportunity to strengthen Sierra Leone's capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats with greater speed and efficiency. Targeted investments will focus on enhancing disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, health workforce development, and emergency operations, building a more resilient and responsive health system. Speaking at the flag-off, on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby, the Deputy Minister 2 for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Sahr Hemore, emphasized: 'We are working assiduously to ensure the health and protection of our citizens against diseases and to contribute to global health security.' The timing of this investment is critical. In recent years, Sierra Leone has faced a number of public health emergencies, including the ongoing mpox outbreak, which have exposed systemic vulnerabilities despite the tireless efforts of frontline health workers. The fund aims to address these gaps, while laying the foundation for sustainable, long-term preparedness. 'Sierra Leone's operationalisation of the pandemic fund represents a significant milestone,' said Dr George Ameh, WHO Representative in Sierra Leone. 'The responsibility to deliver rests with all of us, and WHO remains committed to providing technical support throughout the implementation.' WHO's role goes beyond the initial design phase. As the lead implementing entity, WHO will continue to provide technical expertise in operational planning, capacity building, monitoring, and evaluation, to ensure that investments translate into measurable, sustainable outcomes. This partnership underscores WHO's commitment to country-led efforts that advance both national priorities and global health security. Sierra Leone's approach serves as an example of how multi-partner collaboration, anchored in strong national leadership, can drive meaningful progress in pandemic preparedness. Sustained success will depend on transparent governance, inclusive coordination, and accountability to both national stakeholders and international partners. With continued support from WHO, FAO, UNICEF, and the World Bank, Sierra Leone is poised to build a legacy of preparedness that will protect current and future generations and contribute to regional and global health security efforts. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization - Sierra Leone.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Protecting those who protect us: Ensuring vaccinations for health workers on the frontlines
It happened in seconds. The doors of the health facility flew open. A young man was rushed in, barely breathing, his family screaming behind him. Blood was everywhere, on the floor, his clothes, the hands of those trying to steady him. And without hesitation, the health workers moved towards him instinctively. There were no questions asked, no moments wasted, just an instinctive rush to save a life, guided by their training and dedication. Later, we learned it was a suicide attempt. He had ingested rat poison. But in that critical moment, nothing else mattered to the health workers fighting to stabilize him. There was no time to ask questions, assess risks, or think of their own safety. As I stood there, watching, one thought wouldn't leave me: What if this had been something else? What if the blood, later discovered to be palm oil, carried something more? What if the man was unknowingly infected with mpox, or another infectious disease spreading quietly through communities? This is the daily reality faced by health workers across Sierra Leone. They are the first to respond, the first to make contact, and the first to put themselves at risk, often without knowing what dangers they might encounter. When hesitation could lead to death, their instinct to save lives overrides every fear. They are the backbone of our health system, yet they remain dangerously exposed. But who ensures their safety? In Sierra Leone, mpox is not a distant threat. Since the first case was reported earlier this year, the virus has spread to all 16 districts. Thousands have been infected. Health workers are on the frontlines, not only caring for known cases, but often unknowingly exposed to patients who may not yet show symptoms. Mpox can spread through close skin to skin contact, bodily fluids, blood. The very acts of care, cleaning wounds, delivering babies, providing urgent treatment carry huge risks. Dr. James Squire, the National Incident Manager, summed it up clearly: 'Our health workers are our greatest asset. If we lose them, we lose everything.' We have lived this before, and the painful memory still lingers. During the Ebola crisis, several health workers died. The loss was catastrophic, not just for families and communities, but for the entire health system that was already so fragile. We cannot afford to allow history to repeat itself. This time, we have a tool, we didn't have then: vaccines. In a remarkable show of solidarity, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a nation familiar with the challenges of mpox and Ebola outbreaks extended a helping hand. With the coordination and support of the World Health Organization (WHO), the DRC generously donated 75,000 doses of mpox vaccine to Sierra Leone. Fatmata, a health worker at a district hospital, expressed it poignantly: 'We rush into danger without hesitation. But at the same time, we have loved ones waiting for us back home. We want to continue serving, but we also need to feel secure.' When health workers are vaccinated, entire communities are safer. Economies thrive. And outbreaks are contained before they spiral. The ripple effect of protecting one health worker reaches far beyond the four walls of a health facility. Now is the moment. Every health worker in Sierra Leone - nurse, doctor, cleaner, ambulance driver, laboratory technician - must be vaccinated. No one who steps into a space of care should be left unprotected. Dr George Ameh, WHO Representative in Sierra Leone, emphasized: 'We are at a turning point. The vaccines have arrived. Now we must act. Every health worker vaccinated is one pillar strengthening the entire health system. This is one of the tools we have to halt the outbreak.' The health workers who rushed toward that patient didn't stop to ask whether it was safe. They acted because that's what they do. They show up, every day, in every crisis. But showing up should not cost them their lives. This time, we have a chance to protect them before they pay that price. In addition to pre-exposure vaccination against mpox and post exposure management, heath workers and all frontline workers should always observe strict infection prevention and control procedures and use personal protective equipment (PPEs) when handling suspected and confirmed patients. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization - Sierra Leone.
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- General
- Times of Oman
Heat officers help sweltering cities stay cool
Berlin: International cities from Athens to Dhaka, Freetown and Santiago are united in their efforts to protect residents from extreme heat. Vital to this strategy is the appointment of a chief heat officer, someone who, like a fire department chief, can rapidly respond to emergencies — in this case heat waves. Heat officers also help authorities to analyse local conditions, draw up plans and implement protective measures, including longer term solutions such as installing heat-repellent sidewalks or roofs. Reforestation of urban areas is an important city cooling strategy being employed by heat officers in Freetown, Sierra Leone, for example. A smartphone app enables residents to get paid to nurture the city's trees and green spaces. Heat wave prevention before it's too late The concept of a chief heat officer was initiated in 2021 by the Atlantic Council, a US think tank. It acknowledged that extreme heat could impact around 3.5 billion people by 2050 — with half of those effected in urban centers. In response, the council wanted to create a permanent heat officer role to make cities more climate resilient. Cities need to be constantly prepared to adapt to extreme heat, and not only act in times of crisis, said Eleni Myrivili, the global chief heat officer at the Atlantic Council's Climate Resilience Center. "Usually those types of issues are dealt with only when there is a big event, so when there is a heat wave or a fire or a drought and it's dealt with, like a crisis, and then nobody does anything after that," said Myrivili, who was the chief heat officer for Athens, Greece from 2021 to 2023. She said it's important to "try to help the different departments put in long-term plans that have to do with creating cooler cities." Heat resilience must be incorporated into planning for streets, squares, sidewalks and buildings, though such comprehensive planning is the most difficult part of the job. "I can't say that I succeeded with that," Myrivili admitted, adding that she has "been very successful in changing the culture in Athens." She said people now understand that heat poses a significant risk to their health and to that of the city in general, its economy and its society. "So I think that there has been a shift." The Atlantic Council has so far supported eight chief heat officers appointed by governments around the world, from the US to Kenya and India. Myrivili said countries are becoming more proactive, with India passing a law that requires every state to appoint a heat officer. This will be vital, she said, as the duration of heat waves increase globally. Half a million annual deaths linked to extreme heat Between May 2024 and May 2025, around 4 billion people — around half of the world's population — experienced at least 30 additional days of extreme heat, according to analysis by World Weather Attribution, Climate Central and the Red Cross. Compared to a world without human-caused climate change, global heating has at least doubled the number of extreme heat days in 195 out of 247 countries and regions surveyed. Meanwhile, a World Health Organization (WHO) report estimates that some 500,000 deaths a year worldwide are linked to extreme heat. Most of those affected live in Asia, followed by Europe, where the number of extreme heat days — especially in the southeast — was the second highest since records began. At the same time in many countries, there are more and more elderly people, a group at bigger risk from extreme heat. "Every additional fraction of a degree of temperature rise matters because it accentuates the risks to our lives, to economies and to the planet," explained Celeste Saulo, the secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization, at the presentation of a report on the state of the climate in Europe in April. City action plans to beat the heat Due to extreme temperatures, the city of Phoenix in the US state of Arizona has now set up a team of six people to exclusively focus on extreme heat resilience. For the second year in a row, an emergency heat shelter, several cooling centers and drinking stations will be open around the clock during the summer months. Barcelona in Spain is also using public buildings such as museums and libraries as designated areas to stay cool and rest. In Germany, cities such as Cologne and Freiburg have drawn up the first heat action plans. Initial measures have been implemented, including information campaigns, strategies to protect vulnerable groups such as the elderly, early warning systems and the greening of city "hot spots." Freiburg, for example, focuses on greenery as a cooling method, as well as on quick access to shade. Last year, the city of Cologne expanded sun protection elements like shutters on buildings and other infrastructure. And the Protestant Church in Germany, a federation of various protestant denominations, recently announced that it would be making cool church buildings available as shelters throughout the country in summer. Germany fails to prioritise heat protection But Germany is lagging behind in terms of a comprehensive heat protection strategy. Heat is the greatest health risk in Germany due to the climate crisis, and is responsible for more deaths than traffic accidents, noted Martin Herrmann, chairman of the German Alliance on Climate Change and Health. "We as a society do not understood when it becomes dangerous, nor how dangerous it becomes," he said at a press conference in Berlin in early June. Heat waves are becoming "more frequent, longer and more intense," noted Klaus Reinhardt, the president of the German Medical Association. Society must prepared, he added. "Heat affects everyone, regardless of age and preexisting conditions." The Federal Institute of Public Health in Germany recently launched a new online portal providing practical tips on how to deal with extreme heat in everyday life. These include avoiding the hot midday sun, checking medication for heat tolerance and only ventilating indoor rooms when it is cooler outside than inside. Herrmann said heat resilience is often not considered in plans for climate-friendly housing, and needs to be incorporated into civic infrastructure on a broad scale. Eleni Myrivili also emphasised the need for solutions to be implemented quickly as temperatures continue to rise.
Zawya
16-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Next Chapter in Transformative Surgical Care as Mercy Ships and Ministry of Health Prepare for August Return
In partnership with the Sierra Leonean Ministry of Health, international charity Mercy Ships ( is preparing for the next phase of its ongoing mission to deliver free, life-changing surgeries and training for healthcare professionals. This new phase is scheduled to begin in August. As part of the preparations, the Global Mercy ™ is temporarily leaving Sierra Leone for a planned maintenance period in Cadiz, Spain. The ship will return in August to continue delivering specialised surgical care until the ship departs in June 2026. Even after the ship departs, a team on the ground will continue working alongside our partners to strengthen the country's healthcare workforce and surgical care system through 2030. This aligns with the government's national priorities to improve access to essential surgical care and strengthen medical capacity. Since its initial arrival in Freetown in August 2023, the world's largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship has provided over 3,630 free surgeries and training for more than 290 healthcare professionals, on board the ship as well as on the ground. Each week, the ship has had between 4 and 8 Sierra Leonean participants receiving on-ship training. Dr. Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Country Director for Sierra Leone, said: 'We look forward to the ship's return in August as we continue to partner with the Ministry of Health and the University of Sierra Leone to strengthen surgical care. Even after the ship departs in 2026, our agreement with the government underscores a shared commitment to lasting impact through 2030. We're already witnessing the ripple effect of this sustained partnership in action.' When the Global Mercy returns in August 2025, this will mark the charity's third consecutive field service in Sierra Leone and its eighth visit to the country since 1992, reinforcing a long-standing partnership aimed at improving access to safe surgical care for those who need it most. The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, said: 'Our partnership with Mercy Ship has been truly life-transforming for the people of this country. As a government, we are very proud of the significant contributions they are making in improving access to free surgical services as well as improving capacity of the health workforce through training. We look forward to the next field service and we will provide all the support necessary to make more Sierra Leoneans benefit from their assistance.' Mercy Ships will continue working alongside the University of Sierra Leone to support the delivery of the nurse anaesthesia diploma course, helping to address the country's current shortage of anaesthesia providers. The long-term aim is for this program to be fully led by Sierra Leonean faculty to ensure a sustainable increase in qualified professionals. In addition, Mercy Ships is continuing to partner with the Connaught Hospital in the Safer Surgery programme, which has an emphasis on strengthening surgical teams and working towards measurable improvements in patient care. Support for dental education will continue through the sponsorship of Sierra Leonean dental students studying at Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Guinea, in partnership with the University of Sierra Leone. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships. For more information about Mercy Ships, contact: Sophie Barnett Mercy Ships Senior Manager of International PR About Mercy Ships: Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world's two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit and follow @ MercyShips on social media.
