Falaba: The Livestock and Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), with funding from the World Bank Pandemic Fund, held a two-day stakeholder engagement from May 7 to 8, 2026, aimed at establishing a quarantine facility in Falaba District. The session targeted top district leaders and community stakeholders, including landowners.

According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the opening session took place at the District Council Hall in Mongo Bendugu, the district headquarters, while the closing session was held in Limbaya, the host community for the facility. Deputy Secretary at MAFS, Mr. Sundu Marrah, emphasized the importance of establishing quarantine facilities across districts to mitigate health risks.

Falaba District Council Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Sesay, highlighted challenges posed by undocumented cattle herders entering from Mali, which presents health risks to local livestock and humans. District Agriculture Officer, Mr. Tamba Charles Kellie, called for policies to screen animals and animal products to enhance health safety.

Paramount Chief of Sulima Chiefdom, Dr. Manga Salifu Samura, expressed support for the project, urging locals to use the facility properly and take ownership. MAFS Animal Production Officer, Mr. Joseph M. Samai, confirmed Falaba's selection for the project, noting that neither the Ministry nor donors would purchase the land, which remains district property. The community will provide labor and security for construction, and pending legislation will regulate animal movement.

Mr. Francis Koroma, Environmental and Medical Waste Specialist for IHPAU, noted the project is named the 'Quality Essential Health System Support Project.' He stressed the need for intensified surveillance at district entry points to monitor cattle, take samples, and isolate sick animals. The event concluded with a site visit to the designated land, located one kilometer from the main Limbaya Village in Sulima Chiefdom. A similar engagement occurred in Kambia District as part of the 'Feed Salone' initiative to enhance livestock product flows.