Sierra Leone Launches 2026 National Health Survey to Shape Future Healthcare Policies

A nationwide health survey aimed at transforming healthcare planning and improving the lives of millions of Sierra Leoneans has officially begun.

The Government of Sierra Leone has launched the 2026 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), a landmark nationwide exercise that will provide critical data to guide health policies, improve service delivery, and ensure resources reach the people who need them most.

Speaking at the official launch, the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, underscored the importance of reliable data in strengthening the country's healthcare system.

"Quality data is the backbone to building a stronger, resilient and more inclusive healthcare system that ensures that no one is left behind."

The survey will collect nationally representative data on maternal and child health, nutrition, fertility, mortality, and other key development indicators. The findings will help government and development partners evaluate ongoing health programmes, identify gaps in healthcare services, and make informed decisions on future investments.

As part of the exercise, 188 participants—including interviewers, health officials, statisticians, counsellors, and laboratory technicians—have commenced a month-long intensive training programme. Upon successful completion, they will be deployed nationwide to gather accurate information from households across Sierra Leone.

The 2026 DHS is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping national health priorities and supporting evidence-based decision-making for years to come.

Source: MoH's 

 SIERRA LEONE'S MINISTER OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO COMBATING TOBACCO INDUSTRY INTERFERENCE. 

Lagos, 1st. August, 2026—The Centre for Advocacy and Sustainable Empowerment (CASE Salone) and Youth in Action for Development, Democracy and Human Rights (YADDHR-SL) held a productive courtesy meeting with the Honourable Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mr. Mohamed Rado Swaray of the Republic of Sierra Leone during the Africa Tobacco Interference Monitoring (ATIM) Training in Lagos, Nigeria.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Honourable Minister to engage with the Africa Center for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM) team and discuss the urgent need to strengthen efforts to protect public health policies from tobacco industry interference across Africa.

During the discussion, Professor O. Ayo Yusuf, a leading tobacco control expert and facilitator of the ATIM Training, emphasized that the tobacco industry continues to interfere with the development and implementation of public health policies, particularly Article 5.3 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). He noted that the industry employs tactics such as promoting illicit trade narratives and diverting attention from data proven tobacco control measures, including higher tobacco taxation, plain packaging, comprehensive advertising bans, and stronger regulatory frameworks and its devastating health burden.

Responding to these concerns, the Honourable Minister reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone's commitment to advancing tobacco control. He noted that the country had enacted the Tobacco and Nicotine Control Act, 2022, and acknowledged that while enforcement challenges remain, Sierra Leone continues to make steady progress toward the implementation and enforcement of the law.

The Honourable Minister also commended Mr. Ibrahim Mansaray of CASE Salone and Mr. Alhaji Yaya Swaray of YADDHR-SL for representing Sierra Leone at the continental training and for their continued commitment to promoting tobacco control and protecting public health.

As part of his remarks, the Honourable Minister pledged to work with Cabinet and other relevant government institutions to accelerate the enforcement of the Tobacco and Nicotine Control Act, 2022. He further reaffirmed Sierra Leone's readiness to collaborate with the Africa Center for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM) initiative and other partners to prevent tobacco industry interference and strengthen the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment between government, civil society organizations, and regional partners to intensify collaboration in safeguarding public health policies from tobacco industry influence and ensuring a healthier future for the people of Sierra Leone.

Source: MELSS 

Air Sierra Leone to Resume London Flights After UK CAA Approval

 FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – August 4, 2026: Air Sierra Leone has announced the resumption of its London-Freetown and London-Banjul flight operations after successfully meeting key regulatory requirements and receiving approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

According to a press release issued on 4 August 2026, the airline said scheduled operations will officially resume at the end of October 2026, in line with the IATA Winter Season timetable. The first flight is expected to depart before the close of October, marking the airline's official return to the London route.

The airline also confirmed that ticket bookings are now open, with passengers able to make reservations through its website, ticket offices, and authorized travel agents.

Air Sierra Leone explained that the temporary suspension of its London services earlier this year resulted from unforeseen circumstances involving its previous aircraft provider. During the suspension, the airline said it focused on ensuring that all operational and regulatory requirements were fully satisfied before restarting services.

Describing the development as a major milestone, the airline said it is returning "stronger, better, and more committed than ever" to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality air travel. It added that the return of London operations supports its long-term strategy of becoming a preferred carrier connecting West Africa with Europe and other international destinations.

The airline concluded by thanking its passengers, partners, and stakeholders for their patience and support throughout the suspension period, expressing optimism about reconnecting families, businesses, and communities through its renewed services.

Source: Air Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 

Cybersecurity Alert: NatCA Moves to Contain Ongoing Digital Security Incidents in Sierra Leone

 Freetown, Sierra Leone | July 30, 2026 – Sierra Leone's National Communications Authority (NatCA) has moved to reassure the public as the country faces ongoing cybersecurity incidents affecting digital services, pledging a coordinated national response to protect critical communications infrastructure.

In a public notice issued on Thursday, NatCA confirmed that it is closely monitoring the evolving cybersecurity situation and working alongside government institutions, law enforcement agencies, licensed communications operators, and other key stakeholders to respond effectively.

As the regulator of Sierra Leone's electronic communications sector, NatCA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the nation's digital infrastructure by ensuring the security, resilience, and integrity of communications networks.

The Authority has called on telecommunications providers, internet service providers, and digital platforms to strengthen their cybersecurity systems, report incidents without delay, and fully comply with established security standards.

NatCA also urged the public to play its part by remaining vigilant online. Citizens are advised to avoid clicking suspicious links or messages, safeguard personal information, and activate multi-factor authentication on their digital accounts wherever possible.

Describing cybersecurity as a shared responsibility, the Authority said it will continue to monitor developments closely and provide timely updates through its official communication channels while collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen Sierra Leone's cyber resilience.

Source: NatCA 

Government Intensifies Preparations for 2026 Census with High-Level Field Inspection

 The Government of Sierra Leone has stepped up preparations for the 2026 Population and Housing Census, with top officials conducting a high-level monitoring visit to the ongoing Mock Census exercise in Hill Station, Freetown.

Leading the inspection were Minister of Planning and Economic Development Kenyeh Barlay, Statistician-General Andrew Bob Johnny, and UNFPA Country Representative Kunle Adeniyi. The delegation observed household enumeration, engaged census workers, and assessed the effectiveness of the digital data collection system and overall field operations.

The visit forms part of efforts to ensure the national census is conducted in line with international standards, producing credible and reliable data for national planning and development.

Speaking during the visit, Minister Kenyeh Barlay described the census as one of the country's most important national exercises, noting that accurate population data is essential for evidence-based policymaking, fair resource allocation, and sustainable development. She commended Statistics Sierra Leone and its development partners for the progress made and urged field staff to maintain professionalism, accuracy, and integrity throughout the exercise.

Statistician-General Andrew Bob Johnny explained that the Mock Census is a critical rehearsal ahead of the nationwide Population and Housing Census scheduled for December 2026. According to him, the exercise is testing census methodologies, digital technologies, logistics, supervision systems, and quality assurance mechanisms to identify improvements before the main census begins.

UNFPA Country Representative Kunle Adeniyi reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in delivering a credible, inclusive, and internationally recognised census. He said the exercise would help generate reliable population data to guide national development and measure progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

As the Mock Census enters its final phase across selected communities, Statistics Sierra Leone has thanked residents for their cooperation and encouraged households to provide complete and accurate information to enumerators.

Officials say the success of the December 2026 Population and Housing Census will depend on the participation of every household, ensuring that everyone is counted and no one is left behind.

What do you think? How important is an accurate population census to Sierra Leone's future planning and development? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Source: Statistics-SL

Court of Appeal Makes History with Seven Judgments During First-Ever Makeni Sitting

 MAKENI, Bombali District – July 22, 2026 — Sierra Leone's Court of Appeal has marked a major milestone in the country's justice system by delivering seven judgments during its first-ever appellate court sitting in Makeni City, bringing judicial services closer to citizens in the Northern Region.

The historic session, held as part of the Judiciary's decentralisation agenda, was presided over by Honourable Justice Abdulai M. Bangurah of the Supreme Court, alongside Court of Appeal Justices Jamesina J. King, Michael P. Mami and Aiah Simeon Allieu.

Over the course of the week-long sitting, the panel heard several appeals and delivered seven judgments covering a range of civil matters, including divorce cases and land ownership disputes. The Court also heard and granted an urgent application for a stay after considering submissions from counsel.

The Makeni session forms part of Chief Justice Komba Kamanda's vision to decentralise appellate justice by expanding Court of Appeal sittings beyond Freetown, making justice more accessible and affordable for litigants across the country.

The initiative is expected to reduce the financial and logistical burden faced by appellants who would otherwise be required to travel long distances to the capital to pursue their cases.

Following the proceedings, one appellant, who requested anonymity, praised the Judiciary for bringing the Court of Appeal to Makeni, describing the move as a practical demonstration of accessible justice and commending the leadership of Chief Justice Komba Kamanda in advancing judicial reforms.

The Judiciary stated that the week-long exercise was fully funded by the Judiciary of Sierra Leone with support from the Government of Sierra Leone, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the administration of justice and improving public access to the courts nationwide.

The successful Makeni sitting is being viewed as another step in the Judiciary's broader efforts to modernise the justice system and ensure that appellate services are available to citizens regardless of their location.

Source: Judiciary of Sierra Leone 

MELSS Puts Commercial Banks on Notice Over Labour Law Compliance

 FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – July 28, 2026 — The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security (MELSS) has intensified its push to enforce Sierra Leone's labour laws, engaging commercial banks on workers' rights, outsourcing practices, severance benefits and workplace safety.

The high-level meeting brought together Managing Directors and Human Resource leaders from commercial banks, alongside representatives of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC), the Sierra Leone Employers' Federation and senior officials from MELSS. The engagement forms part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to strengthen labour law enforcement while encouraging voluntary compliance across the private sector.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, stressed that although Sierra Leone has modernised its labour legislation to address evolving workplace challenges, effective enforcement remains the key to protecting workers.

"Even with the best legislation, enforcement will always be the real deal," the Minister said, adding that the Ministry will intensify inspections while working closely with employers to improve compliance.

Minister Swaray explained that the banking sector was selected because of concerns surrounding labour practices, particularly the increasing use of outsourced workers and the need to ensure employers fulfil their obligations regarding severance and end-of-service benefits.

Referring to the recent transition involving Union Trust Bank (UTB), he said the Ministry is determined to prevent situations that could negatively affect employees during corporate restructuring or ownership changes.

He also reminded employers of their obligations under Section 25 of the Employment Act, warning that businesses must make adequate provision for severance payments and other statutory benefits owed to employees.

During the engagement, Director of Labour and Employment Idrissa Dumbuya presented key provisions of the Employment Act and the Work Permit Act 2023, while officials from the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health outlined workplace safety standards expected within the banking industry.

Sierra Leone Labour Congress Secretary General Marx Conteh described the engagement as a significant step towards ensuring banks comply fully with the Employment Act, particularly the provisions protecting workers' rights.

Project Officer of the Sierra Leone Employers' Federation, Ivette Kargbo, reaffirmed employers' commitment to complying with labour laws, noting that respect for the law promotes decent work, safeguards employees' rights and strengthens a fair and transparent labour market.

The engagement concluded with discussions on strengthening collaboration between Government, employers and financial institutions to improve compliance, protect workers' entitlements and promote safer workplaces across Sierra Leone's banking sector.

Source: Ministry of Employment Labour and Social Security