Sierra Leone: Healthcare employees striking nationwide as of Aug. 2 until further notice

Event

Health employees affiliated with the Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA) are on strike nationwide until further notice as of Aug. 2. The SLMDA had called on health employees to strike indefinitely from Aug. 1 to obtain better salaries and fuel allowances following a strike notice issued July 7. The work stoppage will likely continue until the government answers the union's demands. Select hospitals have reportedly been forced to refuse patients Aug. 1 due to staff shortage.

Unless averted, the actions will likely continue causing disruptions to medical services nationwide. Related protests remain possible in the vicinity of medical facilities and government buildings, notably in Freetown.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated information. Confirm all medical appointments. Avoid all protests as a precaution.