A recent study by SEND Sierra Leone reveals that 84% of healthcare facilities across the country face severe shortages of essential medicines, including antibiotics, pain relief drugs, and emergency treatments. The assessment, conducted in September 2024, covered 44 facilities in Kailahun, Kenema, Falaba, Kono, Port Loko, and Pujehun, highlighting critical gaps in the healthcare supply chain.
The report underscores alarming deficiencies affecting patient care, particularly in maternal and child health, where the absence of life-saving medicines often leads to preventable deaths. At Rogballan Community Health Post in Port Loko, limited drug availability and a lack of basic medical tools, such as thermometers and blood pressure monitors, reflect the broader national crisis.
Key findings include:
- Poor Supply Chain Efficiency: 64% of facility managers rated supply chains as inefficient, with frequent delays in deliveries.
- Inadequate Equipment Maintenance: 59% of managers rarely maintain medical equipment, leading to frequent breakdowns.
- Limited Inventory Systems: Only 12% of facilities use software for stock tracking, worsening supply issues.
Experts warn that these shortages erode public trust in the healthcare system and push patients toward private providers or untreated illnesses. The report calls for urgent reforms, including improved procurement processes, modern inventory systems, and increased funding to address these systemic challenges.
Addressing these gaps is critical for Sierra Leone to provide equitable and effective healthcare for all.
