Challenges and Opportunities in Combating Infectious Diseases in Sierra Leone: A Narrative Review of the Role of Community Health and Internal Medicine

In Sierra Leone, people continue to face significant and ongoing health challenges due to a high prevalence of infectious diseases, with malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and HIV/AIDS posing a more significant threat. These illnesses not only pose serious threats to the population’s overall well-being but also strain the healthcare system and impact socioeconomic development in the region. Addressing these health issues requires comprehensive efforts, including improved healthcare access, education on prevention, and effective treatment initiatives. Despite intense efforts, the healthcare system in the country still struggles, with the aftermath of the Ebola outbreak making things even more demanding. This review examines how community health initiatives and practices in internal medicine can help fight infectious diseases. It delves into the current challenges posed by malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, underlining the importance of actions led by communities, partnerships between the government and NGOs, and strategies to prevent diseases. The review also discusses the importance of internal medicine in managing complications associated with infectious diseases and the critical issues posed by gaps in healthcare infrastructure, social determinants, and inadequate disease surveillance. It also emphasises the potential for improved healthcare delivery through capacity building, innovative technologies, and better alignment between public health activities and clinical medicine practices. By placing emphasis on the significance of a comprehensive and integrated approach, this analysis provides valuable insights into how Sierra Leone can effectively strengthen its response to infectious diseases. This strategy aims not only to improve health outcomes for its population but also to establish a more resilient healthcare system that can better protect and serve the needs of the community over time.