Dr. Alex Bangura has urged Sierra Leoneans to reconsider their clothing choices and adopt practical cooling measures as concerns over excessive heat continue to grow. In an interview with Liberty Online TV on Thursday, November 5, Bangura emphasized the importance of wearing breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen, to improve comfort during periods of high temperatures. He particularly advised women to pay attention to the materials used in their underwear, trousers, and other garments.
Bangura expressed reservations about nylon clothing, citing personal discomfort associated with excessive heat. He also discussed concerns about skin-lightening lotions, suggesting that some products could leave users more sensitive to sunlight. However, he did not provide scientific evidence to establish a direct link between the products and increased heat-related skin damage. Bangura's recommendations broadly reflect World Health Organization guidance on coping with excessive heat.
Beyond women's clothing, Bangura recommended lightweight options for men, including chinos and linen trousers, particularly for people who spend long hours at work. He encouraged consumers to examine fabric quality and texture when purchasing clothes, regardless of their country of origin. Bangura also advised people to carry drinking water whenever they leave home, suggesting that those unable to afford bottled water could transfer sachet water into reusable bottles for convenience.
Bangura shared his personal approach to managing high temperatures, carrying a damp towel to cool his skin while moving around. He also stressed the importance of attention to schoolchildren, emphasizing the need for appropriate clothing to help them cope with hot conditions while traveling to and attending school. The World Health Organization recommends dressing children in lightweight clothing that covers their skin and limiting their exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest periods of the day.
The Freetown City Council has taken steps to strengthen the city's response to heat-related health risks. In July 2026, the council partnered with health authorities and HB Ltd to train 35 frontline health workers to recognize and manage heat-related illnesses. The program forms part of the C40 Cities-supported Enhancing Heat-Health in Freetown project. This initiative aims to enhance the city's capacity to respond to heat-related health emergencies.
The World Health Organization identifies dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke among the potential consequences of excessive heat, with heatstroke requiring urgent medical attention. Bangura's recommendations align with the WHO's guidance on wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, drinking water regularly, and using damp cloths to cool the body during excessive heat. His advice aims to promote public awareness and preventive measures against heat-related illnesses.
The heat concerns in Sierra Leone have prompted public health officials to take proactive measures to mitigate the risks. Dr. Bangura's advice on clothing choices, hydration, and cooling measures is part of a broader effort to promote public health and safety. As the country continues to experience high temperatures, residents are encouraged to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses.
Key points
- Dr. Alex Bangura advises Sierra Leoneans to wear breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen, to cope with excessive heat.
- The Freetown City Council has trained 35 frontline health workers to recognize and manage heat-related illnesses.
- The World Health Organization recommends wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and drinking water regularly to prevent heat-related illnesses.
