By Kemo Cham
Sierra Leone’s health authorities say they are monitoring reports of Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda and called for increased vigilance among the public.
DRC and Uganda both declared outbreaks on Friday, May 15th, 2026, prompting calls for coordinated regional response by the continental public health agency, Africa CDC. The case in Uganda is thought to have spread from DRC, which only declared its last outbreak of the virus in December 2025. The latest outbreak was reported in its eastern Ituri Province. The Africa CDC said the affected area is characterised by high population mobility, insecurity, and intense cross-border connectivity with neighboring countries, including Uganda.
The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) Sierra Leone said while there was no confirmed case of Ebola in the country, it has had to put in place precautionary measures, including enhanced surveillance at all points of entry and health facilities for early detection and rapid response. It also said that it is in active coordination with Africa CDC, ECOWAS health authorities, and international partners, including WHO, to monitor development and share real-time information.
“Rapid Response Teams are on standby across all 16 districts, with isolation protocols and personal protective equipment supplies being reviewed and replenished at key facilities,” the agency said in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Prof. Foday Sahr.
“Although the current risk to Sierra Leone remains low, the NPHA is maintaining heightened vigilance due to the regional situation,” added the statement.
The Agency assured that risk communication and community engagement interventions will be initiated to ensure communities remain informed, alert and prepared.
Health workers in both public and private facilities also advised to stay vigilant and immediately report all suspected cases. NPHA further advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to DRC and Uganda, the two countries at the center of the current epidemic which has so far killed eight people, according to Africa CDC data.
