By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has acknowledged that the Ministry of Health and Sanitation bears a shared responsibility in addressing the issue of corpses being discovered and left unattended on the streets of Freetown. He stressed the need for stronger coordination among key government institutions to ensure that such situations are handled with dignity, professionalism, and respect for human life.
Speaking during an engagement in Freetown, Dr. Demby said his ministry will work closely with the Freetown City Council and the Office of the Inspector General of Police to develop a clear and humane approach to managing deceased persons found in public places. He explained that while the Ministry of Health is responsible for ensuring public health and sanitation, it must also operate in a way that does not interfere with law enforcement investigations, especially in cases where the cause of death may involve criminal activity.
Dr. Demby emphasized the importance of establishing a framework that outlines how bodies discovered in the city are identified, collected, and buried respectfully. He noted that proper coordination among state institutions would help prevent confusion, reduce public health risks, and ensure that families of the deceased are treated with compassion and understanding.
“The Ministry of Health has a role to play when it comes to picking up corpses from the streets of Freetown, but we must do so in collaboration with the police and the city council,” Dr. Demby stated. “We need a structured and dignified process that respects both human life and the law, while also safeguarding public health.”
He further explained that uncollected corpses pose serious health risks to the public, especially in densely populated areas like Freetown. The minister highlighted the need for timely response mechanisms, adequate resources, and better communication channels between the ministry, local councils, and security agencies.
In a related message, Dr. Demby also raised alarm over the increasing abuse of drugs and other harmful substances across Sierra Leone, describing it as a national crisis that requires urgent attention. He warned that drug abuse is destroying the country’s youth and fueling a range of social and health problems, including crime, mental illness, and family breakdowns.
Dr. Demby urged all Sierra Leoneans to join the fight against drug abuse and support government initiatives aimed at prevention, rehabilitation, and community awareness. He emphasized that tackling the growing menace of substance abuse would require collective effort, strong family values, and community vigilance.
“The fight against drugs is not for the government alone. Every Sierra Leonean has a role to play,” he said. “We must protect our youth and our future by standing together to say no to drugs and yes to healthy living.”
Dr. Demby reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to improving public health, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that every citizen lives in a safe and healthy environment.
