By: Saidu Jalloh
In a decisive and urgent address at the government’s weekly press briefing held at the Miatta Conference Center, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby, provided a comprehensive update on the country’s escalating Mpox outbreak. Since the confirmation of the first two cases in January 2025, the nation has recorded over 2,000 infections and ten fatalities, with the Western Area Urban and Rural districts identified as the epicenters.
Dr. Demby announced that the government has officially declared Mpox a public health emergency, underscoring the seriousness of the situation and the need for a robust, coordinated national and international response. The declaration made in close collaboration with President Julius Maada Bio and international health partners enables the rapid deployment of critical resources, personnel, and logistics to help contain the spread of the virus.
“The government is treating this outbreak with the utmost seriousness,” Dr. Demby stated. “We must act swiftly and collectively to prevent further loss of life and disruption to our communities.”
A key element of the national response is the launch of a targeted vaccination campaign. Dr. Demby announced the arrival of 61,300 doses of the MVA-BN Mpox vaccine, secured through partnerships with the Africa CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other global health agencies. The campaign prioritizes frontline healthcare workers, individuals aged 12 and above, and other high-risk groups.
In a symbolic gesture to build public trust in the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness, Dr. Demby publicly received the first dose during the campaign’s official launch in Freetown. He emphasized that while vaccination is a vital component of the response, it must be supported by preventive measures such as regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected persons, and staying informed through credible public health messages.
The minister also called on communities across the country to actively participate in the response. He urged citizens to report symptoms—such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes by calling the toll-free emergency number 117 or visiting the nearest healthcare facility. To strengthen the nation’s disease detection capabilities, enhanced surveillance systems have been deployed to monitor, track, and isolate suspected cases swiftly and effectively.
Drawing on Sierra Leone’s past experiences with health crises, including the 2014 Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Demby expressed confidence in the country’s resilience and ability to overcome the current threat.
“We have faced difficult challenges before, and we have emerged stronger each time,” he said. “What we need now is unity, vigilance, and adherence to health guidelines. Every citizen has a role to play.”
Dr. Demby concluded by emphasizing that although Mpox is a serious disease, it is both preventable and manageable with the right strategies in place. The Ministry of Health and Sanitation remains committed to protecting public health through vaccination, education, surveillance, and strong community engagement.
As Sierra Leone confronts this public health emergency, the government’s proactive measures and Dr. Demby’s leadership highlight a deep commitment to transparency, cooperation, and the well-being of all citizens. The message is clear: through vigilance, responsibility, and collective action, Sierra Leone can and will overcome the Mpox outbreak.