This study from Resolve to Save Lives and partners published in the Journal of Health Security evaluates 52 confirmed cases of measles during a 2024 outbreak in Sierra Leone. The cases occurred across four primary healthcare facilities and were analysed using an adaptation of the 7-1-7 target, a quality improvement tool measuring speed, safety and surge capacity in outbreak response.
Nearly all cases met detection and notification benchmarks, and immediate safety actions were completed for every case. However, no facility could meet surge readiness standards due to supply shortages and absent referral pathways. These findings highlight critical gaps in primary healthcare-level health security and support expanding the Epidemic Ready Primary healthcare initiative, with investment priorities in healthcare worker safety, community engagement, supply chains and patient referral systems.
