CDC in Sierra Leone

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began working in Sierra Leone in the 1970’s, focusing on Lassa fever. In 2008, through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), CDC began supporting Sierra Leone’s HIV response. A CDC country office was established in Sierra Leone in 2015, focusing on global health security and Ebola response. CDC works closely with Sierra Leone on strengthening laboratory, surveillance, emergency management, and workforce capacity to respond to disease outbreaks.

What CDC is Doing in Sierra Leone
Almost 140 graduates from the Intermediate and Frontline Field Epidemiology Training Programs with the necessary skills to collect, analyze and interpret data that contributes to evidence-based public health decisions.
10 key epidemic-prone diseases, like Ebola, yellow fever, cholera, and influenza, can now be detected through laboratory diagnostic testing.
25 hospitals and 14 districts have personnel prepared to implement the national (IPC) guidelines.
- 5 U.S. Assignees
- 14 Locally Employed
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- Population: 7,557,212 (2017)
- Per capita income: $1,480
- Life expectancy at birth: F 52/M 51 years
- Infant mortality rate: 84/1,000 live births
Sources: World Bank 2018, Sierra Leone
Population Reference Bureau 2018, Sierra Leone
- Malaria
- Lower respiratory infections
- Neonatal disorders
- Diarrheal diseases
- lschemic heart disease
- Tuberculosis
- Stroke
- Congenital defects
- HIV/AIDS
- Meningitis
Source: GBD Compare 2018, Sierra Leone
Data Inspires Lifesaving Action in Sierra Leone – March 28, 2018