26/03/2026
PRESS RELEASE
26/03/2026
UNIMTECH Staff co-authors new Scientific Publication on the Fight against HIV/AIDS in Sierra Leone
The University of Management and Technology (UNIMTECH) is pleased to announce that its staff Osman Sankoh (Mallam O.), has co-authored a significant peer-reviewed publication on the status of HIV/AIDS in Sierra Leone. The paper, titled Advancing Toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 Targets in Sierra Leone: A Narrative Review of Progress, Persistent Gaps, and Policy Priorities, has been published in March 2026 in the international journal Annals of Global Health.
This important scholarly work provides a comprehensive analysis of Sierra Leone’s progress toward achieving the globally endorsed UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, while critically examining persistent systemic gaps and policy priorities necessary to meet national and international health goals.
Below is the abstract of the paper as published:
ABSTRACT
Background : Sierra Leone, with a low adult HIV prevalence (~1.6–1.7%), faces uneven progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, with significant gaps in diagnosis, viral load (VL) coverage, and key population reach.
Methods : A narrative review (January 2013–June 2024; final search 30 June 2024) synthesized national reports and peer-reviewed articles on Sierra Leone’s HIV cascade and systemic determinants. Data focused on diagnosis, treatment, suppression, and cross-cutting issues (e.g., stigma, supply chain).
Results : In 2023, of an estimated 82,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV), 80% (65,600) were diagnosed. Of those diagnosed, 87% (57,072) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 44% of those on ART (25,112) were virally suppressed. VL testing covered 68% of ART patients (38,812), suggesting incomplete coverage may underestimate true population-level suppression if untested patients are less likely to be suppressed. Key bottlenecks include limited VL platforms, commodity stockouts of antiretrovirals, stigma (especially for female s*x workers), adolescent retention gaps, absent drug resistance surveillance, fragmented data systems, and donor-dependent financing.
Conclusions : Progress is tangible but fragile. Prioritizing detection (first 95) through scaled testing, alongside VL network strengthening, differentiated service delivery (e.g., six-month multi-month dispensing), stigma monitoring, drug resistance surveillance, and sustainable financing roadmaps, is essential. Targeted research on implementation and cost-effectiveness will support equitable attainment of HIV 2030 goals.
Click on the link below to access the full article:
Osborne A, Kamara IF, Lakoh S, Mustapha M, Vandy A, Vandi M, Tengbe SM, Sankoh O. Advancing Toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 Targets in Sierra Leone: A Narrative Review of Progress, Persistent Gaps, and Policy Priorities. Annals of Global Health. 2026; 92(1): 27, 1-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.5152