Assessment of the epidemic preparedness and response capacity in Sierra Leone

Introduction: In recent times, natural disasters and disease outbreaks have struck various countries increasing morbidity and mortality rates. Sierra Leone, one of the three West African countries that was hit greatly by the 2014 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak was not adequately prepared for the outbreak. As parts of efforts to improve preparedness and response to public health in West Africa, The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) adopted approaches such as strengthening of their disease surveillance systems through capacity development and implementing the International Health Regulations, 2005. Objective: We assessed the epidemic preparedness and response capacity of Sierra Leone three years after the EVD outbreak.