Independent News SL | Commentaries | Lansana Kotor- Kamara Esq. | Thursday 13 February, 2025.
Sierra Leone stands at a critical juncture in its fight against HIV/AIDS. According to a report published in the Spectator Newspaper on February 13, 2025, an estimated 1.1 million Sierra Leoneans are living with HIV. If this is true, this staggering number highlights the urgent need for innovative and effective healthcare solutions to curb the spread of the virus and improve treatment accessibility. The country faces a public health crisis, but there is hope—hope rooted in the power of technology to transform healthcare, just as it has already done with maternal health.
The success of the PReSTrack application, developed by DSTI and the Ministry of Health in partnership with UNFPA Sierra Leone, has demonstrated that digital solutions can bridge critical gaps in the healthcare system. Since its launch, the app has trained over 1,000 health workers, registered 11,000 pregnant women, facilitated 1,500 antenatal visits, and enabled 60 critical referrals—directly saving lives and improving maternal care. It has proven that with the right tools, healthcare can become more efficient, responsive, and accessible to those who need it most.
Now, imagine if the same level of innovation and commitment were applied to HIV/AIDS care. Imagine a system where every patient is registered and monitored, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks. A system where people living with HIV receive timely reminders for testing, medication refills, and follow-up visits, reducing the risk of treatment interruptions. A system that flags patients in need of urgent intervention, ensuring that lifesaving referrals are made without delay. This is not just an idea—it is a proven approach, and it is within reach.
One of the greatest barriers to effective HIV/AIDS care in Sierra Leone is stigma. Too many people avoid testing and treatment out of fear of discrimination. But technology can change this. A confidential, tech-driven platform would allow people to seek care without fear, empowering them to take control of their health while ensuring they receive the support they need. It would also strengthen the healthcare system by providing real-time data, helping policymakers make informed decisions to combat the epidemic more effectively.
The Spectator Newspaper’s report makes one thing clear: Sierra Leone cannot afford to delay action. Without immediate intervention, the number of people affected by HIV/AIDS will continue to rise, and the opportunity to curb its spread will slip further out of reach. But Sierra Leone has already shown that it can lead the way in digital health solutions. The PReSTrack initiative has provided a clear roadmap for how technology can save lives. The question now is not whether a digital HIV/AIDS tracking system can work—it is whether we have the will to implement it.
This is not just about statistics or policy discussions. It is about the lives of real people—mothers, fathers, young men and women—who deserve access to quality care without fear or delay. It is about giving health workers the tools they need to do their jobs more effectively. It is about using technology not just as an accessory to healthcare but as a fundamental part of how we deliver it.
HIV/AIDS is a national crisis, but it is one we can control, manage, and ultimately overcome. Sierra Leone has the knowledge, expertise, and proof that digital health solutions work. Now is the time to act. Now is the time to ensure that no one living with HIV/AIDS is left behind. The success of PReSTrack has shown us the way forward—what remains is for us to take the next step.
