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Heavy mineral concentrates from rivers and river terraces near York, Freetown Peninsula, Sierra Leone have been examined for their platinum-group mineral (PGM) content. The alluvial PGM are 0.1 to 1.5 mm in size and include Cu-bearing isoferroplatinum (Pt3Fe) and disordered Pt3-xFe (x ≤ 0.38), tulameenite (Pt2FeCu), hongshiite (PtCu), cooperite-vysotskite (PtS-PdS), laurite (RuS2), erlichmanite (OsS2), Os-Ir alloy, Os-Ru alloy and native copper. Are the alluvial nuggets primary or a neoformation? Comparison of the PGM mineralogy of fresh rocks, weathered rocks and the saprolite, with the alluvial suite shows strongly contrasting features highlighted by the mineral assemblage. Cooperite in the fresh rocks is rare in the alluvium whilst Pt-Fe alloys become more abundant. Oxidized PGM are a feature only of the weathering process and disordering of the Pt-Fe alloys develops during weathering. Palladium is much less abundant in the alluvial suite than in the primary minerals whereas Cu, present as Cu-sulfides in the fresh rocks, occurs in the alluvium as a minor component of the Pt-Fe alloys and as hongshiite alteration to the Pt-Fe alloys. The size difference is striking; the primary mineralogy is micrometre-sized whereas the alluvial PGM are three orders of magnitude larger. Delicate PGM with alteration textures are seen only in the weathered rocks whilst delicate dendritic PGM are reported only from the alluvial suite. An organic coating to the alluvial PGM may be indicative of an organic or bacterial involvement. Some alluvial PGM occur in a drainage basin devoid of outcrops of PGE-bearing horizons. Together these contrasting features of the primary and placer PGM support the proposal that the Freetown nuggets developed as a result of breakdown of the primary PGM during weathering, movement of the PGE in solution, and growth of new PGM in placers with a different mineral assemblage, mineralogy and mineral chemistry.

Inclusions of platinum-group minerals (PGM) within alluvial isoferroplatinum nuggets from the Freetown Peninsula, Sierra Leone, are aligned with their shape determined by the structure of their host. The edges of the majority of the inclusions lie at 0°, 45° or 90° to external crystal edges of the nugget which shows that the inclusions are not randomly oriented earlier minerals incorporated within their host. The inclusions are later infills, probably formed at the surface of the nugget during growth and subsequently enclosed by the growing nugget. PGM on the present surface of the nugget represent the last stage of this partnership. A single nugget containing abundant inclusions is described here but similar features are observed in other nuggets from the same area. The inclusions contain laurite (RuS2), irarsite-hollingworthite (IrAsS-RhAsS), Pd-Te-Bi-Sb phases, Ir-alloy, Os-alloy, Pd-bearing Au, an Rh-Te phase, Pd-Au alloy and Pd-Pt-Cu alloy. PGM found on the nugget surface include laurite, irarsite and cuprorhodsite (CuRh2S4). The Pd-Te-Bi-Sb phases may include Sb-rich keithconnite (Pd20S7) and compositions close to the kotulskite-sobolevskite solid-solution series (PdTe-BiTe). Textural evidence suggests that formation of the nuggets began with the isoferroplatinum host and the voids were filled starting intergrowths of laurite and irarsite-hollingworthite with both laurite and irarsite-hollingworthite often showing compositional zonation and each of them replacing the other. Filling of the voids probably continued with Pd-Cu-bearing gold, Sb-rich keithconnite (Pd,Pt)20.06(Te,Sb,Bi)6.94, keithconnite, telluropalladinite Pd9(Te,Bi)4, RhTe and finally Ir-alloy and then Os-alloy. The nuggets are thought to be neoform growths in the organic- and bacterial-rich soils of the tropical rain forest cover of the Freetown intrusion. The mineralogical assemblage in the layered gabbros of the intrusion has been previously shown to differ from the alluvial assemblage in the rivers and these inclusions, not seen in Pt3Fe in the unaltered rocks, add a further item to the catalogue of differences.

Young men in precarious situations of persistent un(der) employment in post-civil war Freetown, Sierra Leone are depicted in popular and policy debate as \"stuck\" economically or \"dangerous\" and prone to violence. In the present paper, by contrast, we draw on young men's explanations of their work and livelihood struggles as \"straining.\" We explore the logic of straining, its innovations and demands, and its geography across the city, especially where acts of straining interface with the prohibition and criminalisation of informal trading. We argue that straining innovates and endures because of (not despite) young men's marginalisation and limited autonomy and power. In this context, young men build forms of provisional agency and enact dynamic forms of waithood, in their strategies to earn a living to try to support their families and to negotiate a transition from youth to manhood. Drawing on this research, we argue for a more complex understanding of young men at work in Freetown, in particular, and of the \"youth bulge,\" in general, in African cities. Junge Männer in der prekären Lage andauernder Arbeitslosigkeit oder Unterbeschäftigung im Nachkriegs-Sierra-Leone werden in der öffentlichen und politischen Debatte als wirtschaftlich unbeweglich oder als gefährlich und für Gewalt empfanglich dargestellt Im Gegensatz dazu charakterisieren die Autoren dieses Beitrags die Arbeitsund Lebensbedingungen junger Männer in Freetown als straining — angespannt. Sie untersuchen die Logik dieser Situation permanenter Anspannung, welche innovativen Ideen die jungen Männer entwickeln, welchen Anforderungen sie ausgesetzt sind und wie ihre Aktivitäten sich innerhalb der Stadt verteüen, insbesondere wenn sie mit Verbot und Kriminalisierung des informellen Handels konfrontiert sind. Die Autoren zeigen auf, dass die Anspannung immer wieder neu entsteht und fortdauert, weü (nicht obwohl) junge Männer marginalisiert sind und nur über eingeschränkte Handlungsautonomie verfügen. In dieser Lage entwickeln sie provisorische Aktivitäten, um die Zeit des Wartens, in der sie sich befinden, auf dynamische Weise zu nutzen. In ihrem Bemühen, den eigenen Lebensunterhalt zu sichern und ihre Familien zu unterstützen, bewältigen sie gleichzeitig den Übergang von Jugendlichen zu Erwachsenen. Die Autoren plädieren für ein differenzierteres Verständnis für die arbeitenden jungen Männer in Freetown, aber auch allgemein für die große Zahl junger Menschen in afrikanischen Städten.

In Ripples of Hope, Robert M. Press tells the stories of mothers, students, teachers, journalists, attorneys, and many others who courageously stood up for freedom and human rights against repressive rulers — and who helped bring about change through primarily nonviolent means. Global in application and focusing on Kenya, Liberia and Sierra Leone, this tribute to the strength of the human spirit also breaks new ground in social movement theories, showing how people on their own or in small groups can make a difference.

Background Globally, there were an estimated 7.1 million new syphilis infections in 2020, with more than 30% of these new infections reported in African countries such as Sierra Leone. Despite this, there is no HIV-specific syphilis screening program in Sierra Leone. Thus, data are needed to inform public health practice. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of syphilis seropositivity and factors associated with syphilis seropositivity among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at 10 health facilities in Sierra Leone, among adults with HIV, aged 18 years or older, from September 2022 to January 2023. Parameters of interest were collected including age, sex, marriage, antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen, HIV viral load, duration of ART treatment, and hospital level of care. The syphilis antibody was detected by a rapid test based on immunochromatography assay. Data were analyzed using R-software version 4.2.3 (R Core Team, Vienna, Austria). Pearson’s χ 2 test, Fisher’s exact test and Kruskal–Wallis H test were applied to assess the differences in syphilis seropositivity between groups as appropriate. Univariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with syphilis seropositivity. The level of statistical significance was set at P  < 0.05. Results Of the 3082 PLHIV individuals in our study, 2294 (74.4%) were female and 2867 (93.0%) were receiving ART. With a median age of 36 years, 211 (6.8%, 95% CI 6.0–7.7) were positive for syphilis. The prevalence of syphilis was highest in people aged 60 years and over (21.1%, 95%CI 14.7–29.2), followed by people aged 50–60 years (15.5%, 95%CI 11.9–19.9) and in the widowed population (11.9%, 95%CI 8.9–15.8). There were no differences in syphilis seropositivity between gender, ART status, ART regimen, duration of ART, HIV viral load and hospital level of care. Older age (50–60 years: adjusted OR 3.49, 95%CI 2.09–5.85 P  < 0.001; 60–100 years: adjusted OR 4.28, 95%CI 2.21–8.17, P  < 0.001) was an independent predictor of seropositive syphilis. Conclusions We observed a high prevalence of syphilis among PLHIV. Older people and widowed population have higher syphilis seropositivity. Older age was an independent predictor of syphilis positivity. Therefore, we call for the integration of syphilis screening, treatment and prevention in HIV services.

Background In the African region, 5.6% of pregnancies are estimated to be complicated by preeclampsia and 2.9% by eclampsia, with almost one in ten maternal deaths being associated with hypertensive disorders. In Sierra Leone, representing one of the countries with the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, 16% of maternal deaths were caused by pregnancy-induced hypertension in 2016. In the light of the high burden of preeclampsia and eclampsia (PrE/E) in Sierra Leone, we aimed at assessing population-based risk factors for PrE/E to offer improved management for women at risk. Methods A facility-based, unmatched observational case-control study was conducted in Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH). PCMH is situated in Freetown and is the only health care facility providing ‘Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care services’ throughout the entire country. Cases were defined as pregnant or postpartum women diagnosed with PrE/E, and controls as normotensive postpartum women. Data collection was performed with a questionnaire assessing a wide spectrum of factors influencing pregnant women’s health. Statistical analysis was performed by estimating a binary logistic regression model. Results We analyzed data of 672 women, 214 cases and 458 controls. The analysis yielded several independent predictors for PrE/E, including family predisposition for PrE/E (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.46–5.07), preexisting hypertension (AOR = 3.64, 95% CI: 1.32–10.06), a high mid-upper arm circumflex (AOR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.83–5.22), presence of urinary tract infection during pregnancy (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.28–3.19), presence of prolonged diarrhoea during pregnancy (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.63–4.86), low maternal assets (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.63–4.02), inadequate fruit intake (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.64–4.06), well or borehole water as the main source of drinking water (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.31–3.23) and living close to a waste deposit (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.15–3.25). Conclusion Our findings suggest that systematic assessment of identified PrE/E risk factors, including a family predisposition for PrE/E, preexisting hypertension, or obesity, should be performed early on in ANC, followed by continued close monitoring of first signs and symptoms of PrE/E. Additionally, counseling on nutrition, exercise, and water safety is needed throughout pregnancy as well as education on improved hygiene behavior. Further research on sources of environmental pollution in Freetown is urgently required.

Ensuring a sustainable urban water supply for developing/low-income countries requires an understanding of the factors affecting water consumption and technical evidence of individual consumption which can be used to design an improved water demand projection. This paper compared dry and rainy season water sources available for consumption and the end-use volume by each person in the different income groups. The study used a questionnaire survey to gather household data for a total of 398 households, which was analysed to develop the relationship between per capita water consumption characteristics: Socio-economic status, demographics, water use behaviour around indoor and outdoor water use activities. In the per capita water consumption patterns of Freetown, a seasonal variation was found: In the rainy season, per capita water consumption was found to be about 7% higher than the consumption for the full sample, whilst in the dry season, per capita water consumption was almost 14% lower than the full survey. The statistical analysis of the data shows that the average per capita water consumption for both households increases with income for informal slum-, low-, middle- and high-income households without piped connection (73, 78, 94 and 112 L/capita/day) and with connection (91, 97, 113 and 133 L/capita/day), respectively. The collected data have been used to develop 20 statistical models using the multiple linear stepwise regression method for selecting the best predictor variable from the data set. It can be seen from the values that the strongest significant relationships of per capita consumption are with the number of occupants (R = −0.728) in the household and time spent to fetch water for use (R = −0.711). Furthermore, the results reveal that the highest fraction of end use is showering (18%), then bathing (16%), followed by toilet use (14%). This is not in agreement with many developing countries where toilet use represents the largest component of indoor end use.

'Achieving sustained environmental health improvements in Freetown through faecal sludge management enterprises' was a partnership project between Freetown City Council (FCC), International Water Association (IWA), and GOAL. This project aimed to improve faecal sludge management (FSM) through public – private partnerships and improved financial flows to ensure viability of businesses. A market assessment was conducted in Freetown which considered demand and supply for FSM services. This paper discusses findings from the household survey which was a key component of the market assessment. While the households felt that they were getting value for money for existing services, they were not satisfied with existing services and hence were willing to pay higher prices for improved services. This highlights the importance of quality service provision in relation to revenue generation. Improved pit emptying services was noted to be of high priority to households. In order to improve pit emptying services the FSM strategy proposed intermediate transfer stations and formation of a Sanitation Unit and Contact Centre within FCC.

Fresh and weathered rocks and saprolite from Horizon B of the Freetown Layered Complex contain platinum-group minerals (PGM). The PGM in the fresh rocks are 1–7 μm across, including cooperite (PtS), isoferroplatinum (Pt 3 Fe), minor tetraferroplatinum (PtFe), tulameenite (Pt 2 FeCu), Os-bearing laurite (RuS 2 ), and other base metal-sulfide (BMS)-bearing PGM. The weathered rocks contain fewer of those PGM but a high proportion of disordered Cu–(±Pd)-bearing Pt–Fe alloys. The saprolite hosts scarce, smaller (1–3 μm) ordered PtFe and disordered PtFe 3 . The Pt–Fe alloys became increasingly Fe rich as weathering proceeded. Pt–Fe oxides appeared during weathering. Copper sulfides associated with the primary PGM and cooperite (with <3% Pd) were destroyed to provide the minor Cu and Pd found in some of the disordered Pt–Fe alloys. Platinum- and Pd-bearing saprolites have retained the original rock fabric and, to a depth of about 2 m, surround residual rocks that show progressive weathering (corestones). Ground water passing through the saprolite has transported Pt and Pd (and probably Au) in solution down slope into saprolite over unmineralized rocks. Transport is marked by changes in the Pt/Pd ratio indicating that the metals have moved independently. Palladium is present in marginally higher concentrations in the deeper saprolite than in the corestones suggesting some retention of Pd in the deeper saprolite. Platinum and Pd are less concentrated in the upper saprolite than the deeper saprolite indicating surface leaching. Alteration occurred over a long period in an organic and microbial rich environment that may have contributed to the leaching and transport of PGE.

Antiblackness and Global Health offers a major new account of the 2014-2016 West African Ebola crisis and a radical perspective on the racial politics of global health. Lioba Hirsch traces the legacies of colonialism across the landscape of global health in Sierra Leone, showing how this history underpinned the international response to Ebola. The book moves from the material and atmospheric traces of colonialism and enslavement in Freetown, to the forms of knowledge presented in colonial archives and in contemporary expert accounts, to disease control and care practices. As the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed, health inequalities around the world disproportionately affect people of African descent. This book aims to equip critical scholars, medical and humanitarian practitioners, policy makers and health activists with the tools and knowledge to challenge antiblackness in global health practice and politics. The book argues that Black Studies can inform future research on medical interventions in Africa by unpacking postcolonial silences, centring Black perspectives and highlighting the endurance of colonial infrastructures in the present.