By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
The Government of Sierra Leone, under President Julius Maada Bio, has invested a significant $1.7 million in the fight against the Mpox virus. This statement was made by the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, during a strategic panel discussion organized by the Ministry of Health (MoH) on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the Atlantic Hotel, Lumley Beach Road, Freetown.
The panel, themed “National Panel Discourse on Mpox Response in Sierra Leone,” brought together key stakeholders, including medical students, health practitioners, government officials, civil society members, media editors, and journalists from various media outlets across the country.
Dr. Demby informed the gathering that the government’s $1.7 million investment was crucial in supporting the national response to the Mpox virus, which has posed significant challenges to Sierra Leone as well as to developed countries worldwide. He noted that while health partners have provided essential support, the Government of Sierra Leone has remained the primary funder in combating the outbreak.
Despite the financial challenges faced globally, Dr. Demby emphasized that the Bio administration is fully committed to curbing the spread of the virus. He highlighted that the government’s substantial financial commitment was necessary due to the severe financial strain experienced by even developed nations like the USA and UK in managing similar outbreaks.
Minister Demby highlighted the success of the response efforts, noting that the number of active Mpox cases in Sierra Leone has decreased from over 2,000 at the start of the outbreak to just over 80 cases currently being managed in holding centers across the country. He attributed this success to the government’s timely response and the robust Mpox Response Management Team established across the country.
“The government, through the Ministry of Health and key partners, has deployed a strong, efficient Mpox Response Management Team. They are always prepared to respond to any intelligence regarding the virus in communities across Sierra Leone,” he said.
Dr. Demby praised President Bio’s administration for the $1.7 million contribution, which has played a critical role in mitigating the virus’s spread. The funds were used not only for immediate response efforts but also for the provision of essential equipment to support the Mpox Response Team.
He also emphasized the importance of continuous nationwide engagement with the public. The Ministry of Health has conducted surveys to understand citizens’ perceptions of the virus and gather suggestions for advancing the fight against Mpox.
The panel discussion, moderated by BBC’s Umaru Fofanah, featured Minister Demby alongside several other experts. Dr. Demby reiterated the importance of community support in combating Mpox, urging all Sierra Leoneans to report suspected cases early and share vital information to help control the outbreak.
He also spoke about the government’s efforts to ensure that survivors of Mpox receive proper care, underscoring that the strides made in controlling the virus must not be underestimated.
Minister Demby encouraged every Sierra Leonean to actively participate in the fight by reporting any suspected Mpox cases and cooperating with health authorities. He stressed that public cooperation is crucial in preventing further outbreaks and protecting the country from future epidemics.
