As part of ongoing efforts to bolster West Africa’s epidemic preparedness, Dr. Mamadou Diarrassouba, Executive Director of the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC), recently undertook a detailed tour of three critical health facilities in Sierra Leone.
The visit, conducted over several days in early June 2025, focused on frontline sites essential for infectious disease detection, treatment, and containment, particularly in light of the recent mpox outbreak.
The first stop was the Jui P3 Laboratory, a facility renowned for its high biosafety standards and advanced diagnostic capabilities. The lab serves as a cornerstone for Sierra Leone’s surveillance system, enabling rapid detection of priority diseases. Dr. Diarrassouba was briefed on the lab’s capacity to conduct high-risk pathogen testing and commended the team for their dedication.
“This laboratory represents the scientific backbone of Sierra Leone’s efforts and the broader regional network,” he said. “Its ability to rapidly identify outbreaks is crucial for timely responses.”
The second site was the Central Public Health Reference Laboratory (CPHRL) in Lakkah, which functions as a hub for national disease surveillance and research. There, Dr. Diarrassouba met with laboratory staff led by Program Manager Madam Doris Harding. Harding highlighted recent upgrades that have enhanced testing capabilities, including for emerging infections such as mpox.
“Collaboration is key to addressing the complex health challenges we face in West Africa,” Madam Harding stated. “Regional cooperation and workforce training enable us to respond more effectively.”
Dr. Diarrassouba emphasized that CPHRL’s role fits within ECOWAS’s broader strategy to create interconnected public health systems capable of early detection and rapid intervention.
The final visit took place at the Mpox Treatment Center located at the Police Training School in Hastings. The center has been pivotal in Sierra Leone’s efforts to isolate and treat mpox patients, protecting both individuals and the wider community.
Observing operational protocols and infection control measures, Dr. Diarrassouba praised the staff’s professionalism and resilience.
“Protecting frontline workers and ensuring safe treatment environments are essential components of outbreak management,” he said.
These site visits provided the RCSDC leadership with a clear picture of Sierra Leone’s progress and challenges in epidemic control. They also paved the way for a subsequent donation of Infection Prevention and Control materials, including PPE and disinfectants, to further strengthen the response.
Dr. Diarrassouba concluded, “Our collective commitment to investing in laboratories, training, and cross-border collaboration will enable West Africa to meet current and future public health challenges.”