By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency, in collaboration with the Institute of Health Modelling and Climate Solutions (IMACS) and the Task Force for Global Health, recently conducted a training session for national stakeholders on a climate-informed early warning and response system in Sierra Leone.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to address the growing health risks posed by climate change and reflects its ongoing commitment to achieving universal health coverage through proactive and data-driven climate health strategies.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Alie Wurie, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Public Health, said climate change is no longer a distant threat but a current reality that is already impacting public health across the country. He noted a significant rise in malaria cases, particularly during the rainy season, as one of the most pressing signs of climate-linked health challenges.
“Climate change is already here. We are witnessing increased health risks like rising malaria infections, and unless we act early, the consequences will deepen,” Dr. Wurie said. He emphasized the importance of a robust early warning and response system, which he described as the most effective tool for managing health emergencies linked to environmental changes.
Dr. Wurie also called for a more inclusive approach to data collection and climate monitoring. He stressed that the experiences and voices of rural communities—often the hardest hit by climate effects—must be at the center of decision-making and awareness efforts. “Communities are our first line of defense. Their insights are critical for an effective and responsive health system,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Doris Bah, Director of Environmental Health, echoed these concerns. She reaffirmed that climate change is no longer an abstract or future concern but a current challenge that must be met with coordinated and immediate action.
“Climate issues are affecting our health now,” Dr. Bah said. “Since COP28, the Ministry has remained focused on integrating climate considerations into health policy, and we must all join hands to implement solutions. Prevention is better than cure.”
Dr. Bah also commended the leadership of the Minister of Health in maintaining climate change as a national health priority, noting that strong leadership has helped push the agenda forward in recent years.
The training session brought together a wide range of stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organizations, and the health sector. Participants were trained on how to integrate climate data into public health planning, improve risk communication, and develop locally tailored response mechanisms.
Officials say the training is part of a larger series of initiatives aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s capacity to forecast, prepare for, and respond to climate-related health threats. Through the climate-informed early warning system, them Ministry hopes to reduce disease outbreaks, improve community resilience, and support long-term health outcomes across the country.
