Bombali District has officially launched it’s One Health Chiefdom Committee in Makeni, marking a significant step toward strengthening community-based surveillance, early detection, and disaster resilience. The ceremony, held on March 26, 2026, brought together traditional authorities, government officials, youth and women’s groups, and representatives from the health, agriculture, environment, and security sectors.
The initiative reflects the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health to improve national health security. Speaking at the event, One Health Focal Person, Dr. Conteh, emphasized that the committee is a “living system” that relies on active participation, vigilance, and timely reporting from all stakeholders. He noted that community ownership is essential for effective prevention and response to health threats.
Deputy Coordinator of the One Health Secretariat, Madam Rachel Sandi, described the committee as a “community shield,” designed to strengthen surveillance and early warning systems at the grassroots level. She highlighted lessons learned from the 2014–2015 Ebola outbreak and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to global health security frameworks. Stakeholders from various sectors pledged their support, underscoring the importance of collaboration.
Representatives from agriculture, traditional leadership, youth, women’s groups, and the Office of National Security all stressed that community-level action is critical to preventing and managing outbreaks. Goodwill messages from regional partners, including ECOWAS and WAHO, commended Sierra Leone’s efforts in promoting community-led surveillance. National Public Health Agency representatives also reaffirmed their commitment to providing technical support and strengthening coordination across all levels.
The committee’s roles and responsibilities—focusing on prevention, early detection, and timely reporting—were outlined during the event, with particular emphasis on gender inclusion and community engagement. Officials noted that empowering both men and women in surveillance efforts enhances early identification of risks. The launch was formally declared by the Paramount Chief’s representative, signaling the beginning of strengthened collaboration between communities and national institutions in safeguarding public health. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to build resilient communities capable of responding effectively to health threats across Bombali District.
